organ-grinder

noun

or·​gan-grind·​er ˈȯr-gən-ˌgrīn-dər How to pronounce organ-grinder (audio)
: one that cranks a hand organ
especially : a street musician who operates a barrel organ

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of organ-grinder was in 1781

Dictionary Entries Near organ-grinder

Cite this Entry

“Organ-grinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organ-grinder. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

organ-grinder

noun
or·​gan-grind·​er
ˈȯr-gən-ˌgrīn-dər
: a traveling street musician who plays a hand organ

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