Dictionary

harmonica

noun har·mon·i·ca \här-ˈmä-ni-kə\

: a small musical instrument that is played with your mouth

Full Definition of HARMONICA

: a small rectangular wind instrument with free reeds recessed in air slots from which tones are sounded by exhaling and inhaling

— har·mon·i·cist \-nə-sist\ noun

See harmonica defined for English-language learners

See harmonica defined for kids

Italian armonica, feminine of armonico harmonious

First Known Use: 1762

HARMONICA Defined for Kids

noun har·mon·i·ca \här-ˈmä-ni-kə\

: a small musical instrument held in the hand and played by the mouth

Next Word in the Dictionary: harmonicalnessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: harmonic All Words Near: harmonica

What made you want to look up harmonica? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears