harp [harpharpsharpedharping] noun, verb BrE [hɑːp] NAmE [hɑːrp] noun a large musical instrument with strings stretched on a vertical frame, played with the fingers see also ↑Jew's harp
Word Origin: Old English hearpe, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch harp and German Harfe.
Culture: There are various types of harp. One is sometimes used as a symbol representing Ireland, e.g. on coins, because it is an important instrument in traditional Irish music.
Example Bank: •By means of pedals, a harp can be set in any desired key. Derived: ↑harp on▪ ↑harp on something
verb Verb forms:
Word Origin: Old English hearpe, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch harp and German Harfe.
Example Bank: •Don't keep harping on about my age! •He is always harping on about the war.
