square piano: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialist/Historical
Quick answer
What does “square piano” mean?
A type of piano, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, with a rectangular shape and horizontal strings running parallel to the keyboard.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of piano, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, with a rectangular shape and horizontal strings running parallel to the keyboard.
A historical keyboard instrument, often ornately decorated, that was a domestic predecessor to the modern upright piano; sometimes used metaphorically to refer to something old-fashioned or quaint.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties within specialist contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of antiquity, craftsmanship, and domestic music-making of the Georgian and Victorian eras.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both regions. Slightly more frequent in UK due to stronger tradition of antique instrument collecting, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “square piano” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] square piano [VERB] in the corner.They own/restored/acquired a square piano.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “square piano” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The museum plans to square-piano the entire collection for the exhibit. (Highly contrived/rare)
American English
- They decided to square-piano the parlour with an authentic reproduction. (Highly contrived/rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in auction catalogues or antique dealer listings: 'Lot 42: A Georgian square piano.'
Academic
Used in musicology, history of instrument design, and material culture studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by enthusiasts, musicians, or in museums.
Technical
Used in organology (study of musical instruments) to describe a specific historical design with a horizontal string arrangement in a rectangular case.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “square piano”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “square piano”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “square piano”
- Using 'square piano' to refer to a small modern upright piano.
- Pronouncing 'piano' in 'square piano' with a different stress than in the standalone word 'piano'.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (Square Piano).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A spinet is a smaller type of harpsichord or a very small upright piano. A square piano is a distinct type of early piano with a rectangular case.
Yes, primarily through antique dealers, specialist auctions, or from private collectors. They are not manufactured new today.
They were largely replaced in the late 19th century by the upright piano, which produced a louder sound, occupied less floor space, and was more robust.
Value varies enormously based on maker, age, condition, and historical significance. Some by famous makers like Broadwood or Pleyel can be very valuable, while others may have modest value as decorative furniture.
A type of piano, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, with a rectangular shape and horizontal strings running parallel to the keyboard.
Square piano is usually specialist/historical in register.
Square piano: in British English it is pronounced /skweə pɪˈænəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /skwer piˈænoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SQUARE (rectangular) box that plays music like a PIANO. It's the 'square' cousin of the grand piano.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTEFACT AS TIME CAPSULE (it embodies a specific period of domestic life and technology).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining characteristic of a square piano?