Fiddle: meaning, definitions and examples

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fiddle

[ˈfɪdl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

musical instrument

A stringed musical instrument of the violin family, typically having four strings tuned in perfect fifths and played with a bow.

Synonyms

fiddler, fiddlestick, violin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fiddle	This is mostly used informally to refer to a violin, especially in the context of folk or country music. It can also mean to tinker or play with something without a specific purpose. He loves playing the fiddle at the local barn dance. She fiddled with her keys while thinking.
violin	This is the formal term for the musical instrument and is used in classical music and other formal settings. She is training to become a professional violin player. The orchestra showcased an exquisite violin solo.
fiddlestick	This term can refer to the bow used to play a fiddle or violin. It can also be used as an old-fashioned interjection or to express mild frustration. He rosined his fiddlestick before the performance. 'Oh, fiddlesticks!' she exclaimed when she dropped the vase.
fiddler	This term refers to someone who plays the fiddle. It is commonly used in folk or country music settings. The fiddler played a lively tune that got everyone dancing. He's known as the best fiddler in the region.

Examples of usage

He played a beautiful melody on the fiddle.
She is a talented fiddle player.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

manipulate or adjust

To make minor changes in order to improve or manipulate something.

Synonyms

adjust, tamper, tinker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fiddle	Use this word when someone is playing with something, often aimlessly or nervously, and without necessarily trying to fix or improve it. He fiddled with his pen during the meeting She fiddled with the radio until she found a good station
adjust	This word is used when making small changes to something to improve it or make it more suitable. She adjusted her seatbelt before driving He adjusted the settings on his phone to make the screen brighter
tinker	Use this word when someone is trying to fix or improve something in an unskilled or experimental manner, often involving trial and error. He's in the garage tinkering with his motorcycle She spent the afternoon tinkering with the old radio
tamper	This word carries a negative connotation and is used to indicate unauthorized interference or altering something, often leading to damage or corruption. Someone tampered with the lock, and now it won't open They found out that the evidence had been tampered with

Examples of usage

He fiddled with the settings until he got the perfect result.
Stop fiddling with your phone and pay attention!

Translations

Translations of the word "fiddle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 violino

🇮🇳 वायलिन

🇩🇪 Geige

🇮🇩 biola

🇺🇦 скрипка

🇵🇱 skrzypce

🇯🇵 バイオリン

🇫🇷 violon

🇪🇸 violín

🇹🇷 keman

🇰🇷 바이올린

🇸🇦 كمان

🇨🇿 housle

🇸🇰 husle

🇨🇳 小提琴

🇸🇮 violina

🇮🇸 fiðla

🇰🇿 скрипка

🇬🇪 ვიოლინო

🇦🇿 skripka

🇲🇽 violín

Etymology

The word 'fiddle' originated from the Old English word 'fithele', which in turn came from the Latin word 'vitula', meaning 'stringed instrument'. The fiddle has a long history, dating back to ancient times when stringed instruments were popular in various cultures. Over the centuries, the fiddle evolved into the instrument we know today, with different variations and styles found around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,542, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16539 amazingly
16540 bauxite
16541 peeling
16542 fiddle
16543 manifesting
16544 unquestioned
16545 shortness
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