What is piano? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of piano in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of piano

pianonoun
đàn piano, dương cầm
/pɪˈanəʊ/

Definition & pronunciation of <strong>piano</strong>

Where does the word piano come from?

The word "piano" has an interesting origin. It comes from the Italian word "pianoforte," which is a combination of the Italian words "piano" (meaning "soft") and "forte" (meaning "loud"). This refers to the instrument's ability to produce a range of dynamics, from soft to loud. The term "pianoforte" was coined by the instrument's inventor, Bartolomeo Cristofori, in the early 1700s. Cristofori was a harpsichord maker who was tasked by the Medici family to create a new instrument that could produce a greater range of tonal colors. He succeeded in creating the piano, and the rest is history. Over time, the name "pianoforte" was shortened to simply "piano," which is now the widely used term for the instrument. However, the name "piano" still reflects the instrument's remarkable ability to produce a stunning range of dynamics, from the softest whispers to the most triumphant clangs.

Vocabulary summary piano

type noun

meaning (music) piano

example cottage piano: small upright piano

type adverb

meaning (music) light

example cottage piano: small upright piano

Example of vocabulary pianonamespace

Emma sat down at the piano and began to play a delicate melody with her nimble fingers.
Sarah practiced on the grand piano for hours, perfecting her technique and preparing for her upcoming recital.
The piano keys danced beneath John's fingertips as he improvised a breathtaking masterpiece.
The concert hall was filled with the resounding sound of the piano as the accomplished musician played a spellbinding piece.
Emily's heart swelled with emotion as she heard the melody she had composed being played on thekeys of the piano.