What is mandolin? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of mandolin

mandolinnoun
đàn mandolin
/ˌmændəˈlɪn//ˌmændəˈlɪn/

Where does the word mandolin come from?

The word "mandolin" originated from the Italian word "mandolino", which is derived from the Old Italian word "mandolata". This term referred to a stringed instrument played with a pick or plectrum. The term "mandolino" itself is believed to be based on the Arabic word "al-mandal", meaning "strung instrument". This Arabic word is also thought to be related to the Greek word "mantele", meaning "strings". When the Ottoman Empire conquered Italy in the Middle Ages, the lute and other stringed instruments became popular in Italy. The Italian word "mandolino" was likely used to describe one of these instruments, which over time evolved into the mandolin we know today. The name "mandolin" has been adopted in many languages, including English, French (mandoline), Spanish (mandolina), and others.

Vocabulary summary mandolin

type noun

meaning (music) bamboo flute

Example of vocabulary mandolinnamespace

The talented musician played a lively melody on her mandolin, captivating the audience at the folk festival.
The bluegrass band's rhythm section consisted of a banjo, a guitar, and a mandolin that picked out beautiful harmonies.
Sarah loved playing her mandolin in her spare time, and often serenaded her family with traditional Irish tunes.
The mandolin's piercing notes were the perfect backdrop for the singer's soaring voice, creating a mesmerizing performance.
The farmer's granddaughter would often pluck her mandolin while sitting on the porch, belting out sweet country ballads.