musical instrument
Noun: 1. A device constructed or used to create musical sounds: A musical instrument is an object, typically a tool or device, that is specifically designed or adapted to produce musical tones, notes, or sounds when played by a person.
The term "musical instrument" refers to the physical object itself. It is commonly used with verbs like play, learn, master, tune, or make. - General Reference: Used to talk about any device for making music. - Categorization: Often discussed by type (e.g., string, wind, percussion, keyboard). - Skill Association: Used when discussing the act of learning or performing music.
- As a direct object:
- She learned to play a musical instrument at a very young age.
- The museum has a fascinating collection of historical musical instruments.
- With a modifier:
- The piano is a complex musical instrument.
- He can make a musical instrument out of almost anything.
- "To be a musical instrument of something" (figurative): Used metaphorically to describe a person or thing used by another to achieve a purpose, often with a negative connotation.
- The journalist refused to be a musical instrument of government propaganda.
- Instrument (n): While "instrument" has many meanings (e.g., a tool, a legal document), in a musical context, it is a common and acceptable shorter form of "musical instrument".
- He is a master of that instrument.
- Instrumental (adj): Pertaining to, or performed on, a musical instrument.
- The piece features an impressive instrumental section.
- Instrument: (in the musical context)
- Device for making music: (descriptive synonym)
(Note: "Musical instrument" itself is not typically part of phrasal verbs. Phrases are built around the verb acting upon it.) - Play a musical instrument: The standard phrase for performing music on it. - Tune a musical instrument: To adjust its pitch to the correct standard.
(Note: There are few common idioms using the full phrase "musical instrument." Idioms more commonly use the shorter form "instrument.") - To be another instrument in someone's orchestra: To be one of many tools or people used by someone to achieve their goals. (Similar to the figurative advanced usage above).
- any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds