Jew's harp

or Jews' harp


noun

(sometimes lowercase) a small, simple musical instrument consisting of a lyre-shaped metal frame containing a metal tongue, which is plucked while the frame is held in the teeth, the vibrations causing twanging tones.

Origin of Jew's harp

First recorded in 1585–95; perhaps jocular; earlier called Jew's trump

British Dictionary definitions for jew's-harp

jew's-harp

noun

a musical instrument consisting of a small lyre-shaped metal frame held between the teeth, with a steel tongue plucked with the finger. Changes in pitch are produced by varying the size of the mouth cavities