theremin

noun

the·​re·​min ˈther-ə-mən How to pronounce theremin (audio)
: a purely melodic electronic musical instrument typically played by moving the hands in the electromagnetic fields surrounding two projecting antennae

Examples of theremin 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.
Think about those spooky sounds in old horror movies, that's a theremin. — Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 11 June 2025 No, not a creepy busker with a theremin, but the 1962 feature film directed by Morton DaCosta. — Alexis Mikulski Ruiz, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025 Drifting around the stage in billowing black silk drapery, Sumney pops in and out of scenes, singing with a mystical, human-theremin voice, accompanying himself on electric guitar. — Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025 The score’s palette is grounded in orchestra with experimental electronics, theremin, electric guitar, percussion made from NYC street sounds, a broken piano, and a penny whistle. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for theremin

Word History

Etymology

modification of Russian termen-voks from Lev Sergeevich Termen (Léon Thérémin) †1993 Russian engineer & inventor + Latin vox voice

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theremin was in 1927

Rhymes for theremin

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Browse Nearby Words

the remainder
theremin
the Renaissance
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Cite this Entry

“Theremin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theremin. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on theremin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about theremin

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