Definition

Noun: A barrel organ is a mechanical musical instrument that produces music when a hand crank is turned. This rotation causes a cylinder (the barrel) studded with pegs or pins to activate a mechanism that opens valves, allowing air to flow through a set of pipes or reeds, thereby producing musical notes. It is typically a portable instrument, often associated with street performers in historical contexts.

Usage Examples

• The sound of the barrel organ filled the cobblestone street, attracting a small crowd.
• In the 19th century, a barrel organ grinder and his monkey were a common sight in some cities.
• The museum has a collection of antique mechanical instruments, including a beautifully preserved barrel organ.

Advanced Usage

• As a cultural/historical reference: The term is often used to evoke a specific historical period or a nostalgic, old-fashioned atmosphere.
  • The film's soundtrack cleverly used a barrel organ melody to establish the Victorian setting.

Variants and Related Words

• Hand organ: A common synonym for a barrel organ.
• Hurdy-gurdy: A different stringed musical instrument also played with a crank, sometimes confused with a barrel organ.
• Organ grinder: The person who operates a barrel organ.

Synonyms

• Hand organ
• Street organ (specifically when referring to portable versions used outdoors)
• Mechanical organ

Related Idioms or Phrases

• Like a barrel organ: Sometimes used figuratively to describe something that is repetitive or mechanically produced.
  • His speech was as predictable as a barrel organ tune.

Noun

1. a musical instrument that makes music by rotation of a cylinder studded with pegs