harp
harp Lexical Profile
harp Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large, stringed musical instrument with a roughly triangular frame and strings that run perpendicular to the soundboard, played by plucking with the fingers.
"The symphony orchestra's performance was elevated by the delicate, angelic notes of the harp."
• verb
To talk or complain persistently and tediously on a particular topic.
"She tends to harp on her past grievances whenever we get together for dinner."
To play on a harp.
"The court minstrel harped a melancholic tune for the ailing king."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as a verb, 'harp' is almost exclusively followed by the preposition 'on' to describe persistent, annoying repetition of a topic.
• Rhymes for harp
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'hearpe', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'harp' and German 'Harfe'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.