Piano: meaning, definitions and examples

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piano

 

[ piˈanəʊ ]

Context #1 | Noun

musical instrument

A piano is a large musical instrument with a row of black and white keys that are pressed to play notes. It produces sound by striking strings with hammers.

Synonyms

grand piano, keyboard, upright piano.

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Word Description / Examples
piano

General term used to refer to any type of piano, suitable for most contexts when you're speaking about the instrument in general.

  • She has been playing the piano since she was five
  • They have a beautiful piano in their living room
keyboard

Used when talking about electronic versions of the piano, often portable and sometimes with additional features like different instrument sounds. Suitable for informal and modern settings.

  • He played his favorite songs on the keyboard during the party
  • An electric keyboard is easier to move than a piano
grand piano

Best used when referring to a large, typically more expensive and professional piano. Common in concert halls and professional settings.

  • The grand piano on stage was simply magnificent
  • She saved for years to buy a grand piano for her music room
upright piano

Used for pianos that are vertical and more compact, suitable for homes and smaller spaces. Less grand or professional compared to a grand piano but still a full piano.

  • They decided an upright piano would fit better in their apartment
  • Even with limited space, an upright piano can provide a rich sound

Examples of usage

  • The pianist played a beautiful melody on the piano.
  • She practiced for hours every day to improve her piano skills.

Translations

Translations of the word "piano" in other languages:

🇵🇹 piano

🇮🇳 पियानो

🇩🇪 Klavier

🇮🇩 piano

🇺🇦 піано

🇵🇱 fortepian

🇯🇵 ピアノ

🇫🇷 piano

🇪🇸 piano

🇹🇷 piyano

🇰🇷 피아노

🇸🇦 بيانو

🇨🇿 piano

🇸🇰 piano

🇨🇳 钢琴

🇸🇮 piano

🇮🇸 píanó

🇰🇿 пиано

🇬🇪 პიანინო

🇦🇿 piano

🇲🇽 piano

Etymology

The piano, also known as the pianoforte, is a musical instrument classified as a keyboard instrument. It was invented around the year 1700 by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy. The piano has gone through various developments and improvements over the centuries, becoming one of the most popular and versatile musical instruments in the world.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,205 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.