Harp

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /hɑːp/
• US IPA: /hɑɹp/
• Rhymes: -ɑː(r)p

Origin

From Old English hearpe, from Proto-Germanic *harpÇ­. Cognate with Dutch harp, German Harfe, Swedish harpa.

Full definition of harp

Noun

1. A musical instrument consisting of an upright frame strung with strings that are stroked or plucked with the fingers.
2. (colloquial) A harmonica.
3. (Scotland) A grain sieve.

Derived terms

• harpist

Verb

1. (usually with on) To repeatedly mention a subject.Why do you harp on a single small mistake? (US)Why do you harp on about a single small mistake? (UK)
2. (transitive) To play on (a harp or similar instrument).
3. (transitive) To play (a tune) on the harp.
4. (transitive) To develop or give expression to by skill and art; to sound forth as from a harp; to hit upon.Thou harped my fear aright. — Shakespeare.

Synonyms

• keep on about
• perseverate

Anagrams

• PHAR