guitar

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

guitarist

2 of 2

noun (2)

gui·​tar·​ist -tärə̇st How to pronounce guitarist (audio)
-tȧr-
plural -s
: one who performs on the guitar

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.
Noun
This was a show for 70s and 80s kids who were born on the electric guitar, and drums. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026 Foxx sat at the piano while his daughter sat by his side on guitar, proving she's inherited some of his musical talents. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 29 June 2026 In that way, her heavy metal songs are not so different from her previous musical identity as a New York folk singer with acoustic guitar. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026 Despite the intensity of the film, watching Folland and Halley fall for each other over ice cream and guitar riffs is absolutely adorable. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for guitar

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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 7 Jul. 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

Noun

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

More from Merriam-Webster on guitar

Nglish: Translation of guitar for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about guitar

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