guitar

noun

gui·​tar gə-ˈtär How to pronounce guitar (audio)
gi-
especially Southern and Midland US also ˈgi-ˌtär
: a flat-bodied stringed instrument with a long fretted neck and usually six strings played with a pick or with the fingers
guitarist
gə-ˈtär-ist How to pronounce guitar (audio)
gi-
noun

Illustration of guitar

Illustration of guitar
  • 1 electric
  • 2 acoustic

Examples of guitar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The actor has performed with his band, Dennis Quaid and the Sharks, for decades, playing guitar and singing at shows around the country. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Rock Monahan is the only one of this group being paid in guitars. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 During dinner, a musician named Manel Ferreira performed fado, the Portuguese folk music, playing guitar and serenading guests. — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 One of the first albums Louris ever owned was Cooper’s Killer, and its heavy rock guitars ultimately inspired him to buy a Gibson SG guitar. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guitar

Word History

Etymology

French guitare, from Spanish guitarra, from Arabic qītār, from Greek kithara cithara

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guitar was in 1668

Phrases Containing guitar

Rhymes for guitar

See All Rhymes for guitar

Browse Nearby Words

guisquil
guitar
guitar-fiddle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guitar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guitar. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

guitar

noun
gui·​tar gə-ˈtär How to pronounce guitar (audio)
: a stringed instrument with a flat body, a long neck with frets, and usually six strings that are played with the fingers or with a pick
guitarist
-əst How to pronounce guitar (audio)
noun
Etymology

from French guitare "guitar," derived from Arabic qītār (same meaning)

More from Merriam-Webster on guitar

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about guitar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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