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balalaika

noun
bal·​a·​lai·​ka | \ ËŒba-lÉ™-ˈlÄ«-kÉ™ How to pronounce balalaika (audio) \

Definition of balalaika

: a usually 3-stringed instrument of Russian origin with a triangular body played by plucking or strumming

Illustration of balalaika

Illustration of balalaika

Examples of balalaika in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Karokhina will play the balalaika and Smirnov will sing and play the guitar and garmoshka. — Courant Community, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 25 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'balalaika.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of balalaika

1780, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for balalaika

Russian

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More from Merriam-Webster on balalaika

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about balalaika

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