Definition

Noun: A pianola is a type of self-playing piano. It is a mechanically operated piano that uses a roll of perforated paper to automatically activate the keys, producing music without a live pianist.

Usage

The word pianola is used to refer specifically to the mechanical, automatic piano player. It is a proper noun that became a generic term. * We found an old pianola in my grandmother's attic. * The museum has a collection of pianola rolls for its antique instrument.

Advanced Usage

• The term pianola is often used interchangeably with "player piano," though "Pianola" was originally a trademarked brand name.
  • The popularity of the pianola peaked in the early 20th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Player piano: The more general term for a self-playing piano, of which a pianola is a type.
• Piano roll: The roll of perforated paper that contains the musical program for a pianola.

Synonyms

• Player piano
• Self-playing piano
• Automatic piano

Noun

1. a mechanically operated piano that uses a roll of perforated paper to activate the keys