harp
[ hahrp ]
/ hɑrp /
noun
verb (used without object)
to play on a harp.
Verb Phrases
harp on/upon,
to dwell on persistently or tediously in speaking or writing: He was always harping on the importance of taking vitamin supplements.
Origin of harp
before 900; Middle English
harpe, Old English
hearpe; cognate with Dutch
harp, German
Harfe, Old Norse
harpa
OTHER WORDS FROM harp
harp·like, adjective un·harped, adjectiveWords nearby harp
British Dictionary definitions for harp on
harp
/ (hɑːp) /
noun
a large triangular plucked stringed instrument consisting of a soundboard connected to an upright pillar by means of a curved crossbar from which the strings extend downwards. The strings are tuned diatonically and may be raised in pitch either one or two semitones by the use of pedals (double-action harp). Basic key: B major; range: nearly seven octaves
something resembling this, esp in shape
an informal name (esp in pop music) for harmonica
verb
(intr)
to play the harp
(tr) archaic
to speak; utter; express
(intr; foll by on or upon)
to speak or write in a persistent and tedious manner
Derived forms of harp
harper or harpist, nounWord Origin for harp
Old English
hearpe; related to Old Norse
harpa, Old High German
harfa, Latin
corbis basket, Russian
korobit to warp
Cultural definitions for harp on
harp
An instrument in the string section of the orchestra. The orchestral harp is several feet tall and has pedals that allow the harpist to change the key of the instrument as necessary.
Idioms and Phrases with harp on
harp on
Dwell on; talk or write about to a tedious and excessive extent. For example, She kept harping on the fact that she had no household help at all. This expression is a shortening of harp on the same string, meaning “to play the same note over and over.” It was first recorded in 1518.