mouth organ: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, historical
Quick answer
What does “mouth organ” mean?
A small rectangular musical instrument held in the hands and played by blowing and sucking air through metal reeds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small rectangular musical instrument held in the hands and played by blowing and sucking air through metal reeds.
The term can also refer generically to any wind instrument played with the mouth (such as a flute or trumpet) though this usage is now archaic or humorous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally understood in both dialects but equally dated/old-fashioned. Slightly more likely to be encountered in older British texts or as a humorous, quaint term.
Connotations
Both dialects: Connotes an old-fashioned, informal, or slightly rustic instrument. Can sound quaint or deliberately archaic.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary speech in both regions. 'Harmonica' is the dominant term.
Grammar
How to Use “mouth organ” in a Sentence
[Subject] + play + the + mouth organ[Subject] + blow + into/on + [possessive] + mouth organVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mouth organ” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would mouth-organ a tune by the campfire.
American English
- He loved to mouth-organ old folk songs.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- [Rare to non-standard]
American English
- [Rare to non-standard]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or organological (study of instruments) contexts.
Everyday
Rare; used humorously or by older speakers. 'Harmonica' is standard.
Technical
In musicology, to distinguish specific historical types of free-reed mouth instruments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mouth organ”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mouth organ”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mouth organ”
- Using 'mouth organ' in formal writing. *'The concerto featured a mouth organ solo.' (Use 'harmonica').
- Spelling as 'mouthorgan' (should be two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for all practical purposes they refer to the same instrument. 'Harmonica' is the standard modern term.
It's a metaphorical use. Like a pipe organ, it contains multiple reeds/pipes (though tiny) that produce different notes, making it a 'little organ' for the mouth.
It is an old term used in both dialects but is now considered dated everywhere. There is no significant modern regional preference.
It is not recommended for formal academic writing unless you are discussing historical terminology. Use 'harmonica' for clarity and modernity.
A small rectangular musical instrument held in the hands and played by blowing and sucking air through metal reeds.
Mouth organ is usually informal, historical in register.
Mouth organ: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaʊθ ˌɔː.ɡən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaʊθ ˌɔːr.ɡən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to the term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ORGAN so small it fits in your MOUTH.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS A BODY PART (The mouth is the organ/tool for music).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of the term 'mouth organ' in contemporary English?