hurdy-gurdy
(US, California) A water wheel with radial buckets, driven by the impact of a jet.
ˈhɜː.diˌɡɜː.diDocumented since 1740sSilenthistorical147 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026＋ Add a definition
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Born ~1740 · no dated citations yet18th centurySee decade cohort →
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#1·Apr 27, 2026
(US, California) A water wheel with radial buckets, driven by the impact of a jet.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026
(musical instrument) , often considered a misnomer.
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#3·Apr 27, 2026
(musical instrument) A stringed instrument that produces a droning sound by turning a handle that connects to a wheel that rubs against a rosined string, with a keyboard also used to alter the pitch of the string.
Origin: Probably in imitation of the sound produced by the stringed instrument. Compare obsolete hirdy-girdy. Attested from the 1740s. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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Other words near "hurdy-gurdy" (H)
Hunza waterhunzonehupirohurdenhurdiesHurd-Meathurkle-durklehurlhurl chunkshurlerhurler on the ditchhurly-hacket
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