harp

[ hahrp ]

noun

1. a musical instrument consisting of a triangular frame formed by a soundbox, a pillar, and a curved neck, and having strings stretched between the soundbox and the neck that are plucked with the fingers.
2. anything that resembles this instrument, especially in having a row of parallel strings or wires, as various mechanical devices or kitchen implements for slicing cheese.
3. a vertical metal frame shaped to bend around the bulb in a standing lamp and used to support a lamp shade.
4. Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a person of Irish birth or descent.
5. Also called harper. any of several English coins issued for use in Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries, bearing the figure of a harp on the reverse.
6. South Midland and Southern U.S. a mouth harp; harmonica.

verb (used without object)

1. to play on a harp.

verb phrase

1. to dwell on persistently or tediously in speaking or writing:

   He was always harping on the importance of taking vitamin supplements.

harp

/ hɑːp /

noun

1. a large triangular plucked stringed instrument consisting of a soundboard connected to an upright pillar by means of a curved crossbar from which the strings extend downwards. The strings are tuned diatonically and may be raised in pitch either one or two semitones by the use of pedals ( double-action harp ). Basic key: B major; range: nearly seven octaves
2. something resembling this, esp in shape
3. an informal name (esp in pop music) for harmonica

verb

1. intr to play the harp
2. archaic.
   tr to speak; utter; express
3. intr; foll by on or upon to speak or write in a persistent and tedious manner

harp

1. An instrument in the string section of the orchestra . The orchestral harp is several feet tall and has pedals that allow the harpist to change the key of the instrument as necessary.

Derived Forms

• ˈharper, noun

Other Words From

• harplike adjective
• un·harped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of harp¹

before 900; Middle English harpe, Old English hearpe; cognate with Dutch harp, German Harfe, Old Norse harpa

Word History and Origins

Origin of harp¹

Old English hearpe; related to Old Norse harpa, Old High German harfa, Latin corbis basket, Russian korobit to warp

Example Sentences

Stewart continued to harp on a message he'd shared earlier the week, encouraging his fans not to despair.

From Salon

Led by Netanel and the members of her High Vibe Tribe, it’s a 90-minute alfresco experience that includes harp, flute, gongs, chimes, rain sticks, crystal bowls and other relaxing sound makers.

From Los Angeles Times

But again, with so many issues, hot-button issues, we don't harp on it.

From Salon

Trump and Vance harp about a doomed economy because they need the economy to be doomed, but economic indicators aren’t cooperating with their spin.

From Salon

A Dutch guide to marine life from the late 1500s claims that some whale species “like to hear music played on the lute, harp, flute and similar instruments.”

From Salon