What does guitar mean?
A guitar is a stringed musical instrument whose sound is produced by vibrating strings. Its body, neck, frets, and tuning pegs allow performers to create both chords and melodic lines, while an acoustic guitar uses the resonating body to project sound and an electric guitar uses pickups and an amplifier. The word is standard in English and refers to one of the world's most familiar instruments, appearing in classical music, folk traditions, popular music, rock, jazz, and many other genres. A guitarist may use a plectrum or the fingers and may play alone, accompany singers, or perform with an ensemble. Although “guitar” has no exact synonym, it is sometimes called a “six-string” when the number of strings is relevant. Its name has an unusually broad cultural history, preserving a linguistic trail from the ancient Greek kithara through Arabic and Spanish to the modern English word.
nounA stringed musical instrument with a hollow body, a neck with frets, and usually six strings, played by strumming or plucking with the fingers or a plectrum. It may be acoustic, producing sound through its resonating body, or electric, producing sound through an amplifier.
- A stringed musical instrument played by plucking or strumming its strings, either acoustically or with electronic amplification.
"She learned to play guitar by practicing a few chords every evening."
"The guitarist ended the performance with a quiet acoustic piece."
"He bought an electric guitar and began learning rock songs."
Use the plural when referring to multiple guitars, as in a shop displaying guitars or musicians carrying several instruments.
"The musicians set their guitars on stands before the rehearsal."
The modern guitar's six-string form carries a name that travelled from the ancient Greek kithara through Arabic and Spanish into English.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does guitar come from?
English guitar comes through Spanish guitarra, which derives from Arabic qitara and ultimately from the Greek kitharion, a diminutive of kithara. The Greek kithara was a lyre-like instrument, and its name later became associated with instruments in the European lute family. Related names include the English cittern and gittern, both of which also ultimately derive from the Greek kithara tradition.
Related word forms
How guitar is actually used
The word is standard in formal and informal English. Its broad meaning includes both acoustic and electric instruments; more specific terms such as "acoustic guitar" and "electric guitar" distinguish their construction and sound.