spinet

American  

[spin-it] / ˈspɪn ɪt /

noun

1. a small upright piano.

2. a small, square piano.

3. any of various small harpsichords.

4. Also called spinet organ.  a small electric organ.

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spinet British  

/ ˈspɪnɪt, spɪˈnɛt /

noun

1. a small type of harpsichord having one manual

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Etymology

Origin of spinet

1655–65; aphetic variant of obsolete espinette < French < Italian spinetta, probably equivalent to spin ( a ) thorn ( spine ) + -etta diminutive suffix; the existence of an instrument-maker named Spinetti is unverified

Example Sentences

What he did bring with him was a spinet piano that he set up in the living room and an acoustic guitar that usually occupied his bedroom.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

Although the previous owner of the spinet piano in Diamond Park has not come forward, the Bernal Heights incident might tease a possible explanation for the appearance of the mysterious instrument.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 28, 2023

At his house, Henry’s office held a spinet piano, a rack of acoustic guitars, a turntable, vintage ribbon microphones and assorted CDs and LPs.

From New York Times • Nov. 18, 2019

At the championship, they tackled such words as troika, jeremiad, syndrome, vitriol, spinet, bezoar and cynosure.

From Washington Times • Mar. 27, 2019

Only Lavinia, still at the spinet, and Cousin Sewall bending over her, did not go into the dining room.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

Related Words

• grand piano
• instrument
• keyboard