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Added 10 October 2026

zither

/ˈzɪ.ðə/ noun

In Latin: cithara Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about zither at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A musical instrument consisting of a flat sounding box with numerous strings placed on a horizontal surface, played with a plectrum or fingertips.
Related or similar instruments in other cultures, such as the Chinese guqin or Norwegian harpeleik; especially any chordophone without a neck, and with strings that pass over the body.

verb

To play a zither.
To make a sound similar to that made by a zither; to move while making such a sound.

Origin

Borrowed from German Zither, from Old High German zithara, from Latin cithara, from Ancient Greek κιθάρα (kithára, “a kind of harp”). Doublet of cithara, cither, and guitar.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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