ukulele — A small four-stringed guitar-like instrument originally from Hawaii
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A small four-stringed guitar-like instrument originally from Hawaii
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌuːkəˈleɪli/
Example Sentences
- My grandfather learned to play the ukulele when he was 70, proving it's never too late to start music.
- The tiny ukulele made such big sounds that even the neighbors' dog started howling along.
- She packed her ukulele for the camping trip, determined to become the campfire entertainment.
ukulele
NOUN[/ˌuːkəˈleɪli/]
A small four-stringed guitar-like instrument originally from Hawaii
Small Hawaiian four-stringed instrument
Strumming ukulele with a jiggling belly, coins fill up the jelly!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Ukulele derives from Hawaiian, where the term combines 'uku' (flea) and 'lele' (to jump), literally meaning 'jumping flea.' The name originated in the 19th century when Hawaiian musicians adopted the small guitar introduced by Portuguese immigrants, and the rapid finger movements of players resembled the jumping motion of fleas.
Breakdown
uku (flea) + lele (jump or leap). The compound reflects the Hawaiian observation of the instrument's rapid, flea-like playing technique.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandfather learned to play the ukulele when he was 70, proving it's never too late to start music.”
“The tiny ukulele made such big sounds that even the neighbors' dog started howling along.”
“She packed her ukulele for the camping trip, determined to become the campfire entertainment.”
“His ukulele skills were so impressive that tourists kept throwing coins, mistaking him for a street performer.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Related
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