Definition

Noun: A musical instrument that produces sound primarily through the vibration of one or more taut strings. The sound is typically initiated by plucking, bowing, or striking the strings.

Usage

The term "stringed instrument" is a general category. It is used to classify and describe a wide family of instruments based on their primary sound-producing mechanism. It is often used in contrast to other instrument families like woodwinds, brass, or percussion.

Examples

• The violin, cello, and double bass are all stringed instruments played with a bow.
• In an orchestra, the stringed instrument section is usually the largest.
• He specializes in collecting and restoring historical stringed instruments.
• The guitar is a plucked stringed instrument.

Advanced Usage

• "The stringed instruments": Can refer collectively to the string section of an orchestra or ensemble.
  • The conductor asked the stringed instruments to play more softly.

Variants and Related Words

• String instrument: A common alternative form with identical meaning.
• Chordophone: The formal, scientific classification for a stringed instrument in organology (the study of musical instruments).

Synonyms

• Chordophone (technical synonym)
• String instrument (direct synonym)

Different Meanings

The term "stringed instrument" has a single, specific meaning related to musical instruments. It does not have other common metaphorical or alternative definitions.

Related Phrases/Idioms

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that use the exact term "stringed instrument." The word functions strictly as a categorical noun.

Noun

1. a musical instrument in which taut strings provide the source of sound