1 barrel organ | Definition of barrel organ
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barrel organ

noun

Definition of barrel organ

: an instrument for producing music by the action of a revolving cylinder studded with pegs on a series of valves that admit air from a bellows to a set of pipes

Examples of barrel organ in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The vessels carried more than three years’ worth of food and drink, as well as two barrel organs and libraries with some 2,900 books. — National Geographic, "In 1845 explorers sought the Northwest Passage—then vanished," 8 Aug. 2019

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

First Known Use of barrel organ

1750, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for barrel organ

barrel organ

noun

English Language Learners Definition of barrel organ

: a large musical instrument that is played by turning a handle and that was once commonly played by performers (called organ-grinders) on city streets

See the full definition for barrel organ in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on barrel organ

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with barrel organ

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about barrel organ

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