barrel-organ

barrel-organ

A street musician plays a cheerful tune on a barrel-organ.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A mechanical musical instrument: "barrel-organ" refers to a type of musical instrument that produces sound by turning a hand-cranked cylinder (barrel) with pins that strike tuned metal reeds or pipes. It is also known as a "hand organ" or "street organ" and was commonly used by itinerant musicians in public places.
Usage Examples
  • (The musician operated the hand-cranked instrument to produce music.)
  • (The mechanical organ was a common tool for public entertainment.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to grind a barrel-organ": to play the instrument by turning the crank.

    • The organ grinder spent hours grinding his barrel-organ for passersby. (He operated the crank to produce music.)

  • "barrel-organ music": the characteristic sound produced by this instrument.

    • The nostalgic barrel-organ music echoed through the narrow alley. (The distinctive, repetitive sound of the organ was heard.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Barrel-organist (n): a person who plays a barrel-organ.

    • The barrel-organist had a trained monkey that collected coins from the audience. (The performer who operated the instrument.)

  • Hand organ (n): an alternative name for a barrel-organ, emphasizing its manual operation.

    • The hand organ is a portable version of the larger church organ. (A synonym for barrel-organ.)

  • Organ grinder (n): a person who plays a barrel-organ, often associated with street performance.

    • The organ grinder and his monkey were a familiar sight in Victorian London. (A specific term for the performer.)
Synonyms
  • Street organ: a barrel-organ used outdoors.
  • Crank organ: a term focusing on the hand-crank mechanism.
  • Mechanical organ: any organ that operates automatically, including the barrel-organ.
Related Idioms

  • "to play second fiddle to a barrel-organ": (rare, humorous) to be in a subordinate or less important position, especially in music or performance.

    • The violinist felt he was playing second fiddle to a barrel-organ at the fair. (He was overshadowed by the louder, more attention-grabbing instrument.)

  • "like a barrel-organ tune": (idiomatic) referring to something that is repetitive, monotonous, or predictable.

    • His speech was like a barrel-organ tune — the same words over and over. (The speech lacked variety and was dull.)