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 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 term chicha refers to a style of cumbia, a popular Colombian music genre, that was adapted and transformed in Peru in the 1960s and ’70s, incorporating electric guitars, synthesizers, and elements of rock. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 4 May 2026 People can also expect live Spanish guitar and percussion throughout the afternoon Mariachi performances and an à la carte taco menu. Richard Guzman, Daily News, 4 May 2026 Aside from his contributions to Santana, Ligertwood played alongside guitar legend Jeff Beck as part of the Jeff Beck Group in the early ‘70s. Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026 In recent decades, Raber said, he's seen Amish youth increasingly come together with guitars to sing. CBS News, 2 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guitar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guitar. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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 noun
Etymology

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

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