# harpsichord

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/ · frequency rank #45,968

## Definitions
1. A stringed musical instrument with a keyboard, the mechanical precusor to the fortepiano, in which each key causes a plectrum to pluck a corresponding tuned string, producing a bright, sharp tone similar to that of a harp.

## Etymology
Early 1600s, borrowed from French harpechord (“harp string”), from New Latin harpichordium, from harpa (“harp”) + chorda (“string”). Influenced by and possibly also borrowed from Italian arpicordo, producing variant spellings. The unetymological -s-, which predominates by the 1660s, is of unclear origin.

## Common misspellings (18)
`ahrpsichord`, `haprsichord`, `harpischord`, `harppsichord`, `harpscihord`, `harpsicchord`, `harpsichhord`, `harpsichodr`, `harpsichordd`, `harpsichorrd`, `harpsichrod`, `harpsicohrd`, `harpsihcord`, `harpssichord`, `harrpsichord`, `harspichord`, `hharpsichord`, `hrapsichord`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/harpsichord