Definition

A small musical instrument similar to a piano or harpsichord, often with a single keyboard and compact design.

Example

She played a beautiful melody on her spinet in the living room.

Conversation

I just got a new spinet piano for my living room.

That sounds amazing! How does it sound?

It has such a rich tone for such a small spinet.

I bet it fits perfectly in your space!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spinet → The word 'spinet' originates from the Italian 'spinetta', which is a diminutive form of 'spina', meaning thorn or spine. The term refers to a small keyboard instrument that has strings plucked by a plectrum, resembling the way a thorn might protrude.

Memory Tip

Think of 'spina', which means thorn, to remember that a spinet is a small instrument with strings that can be likened to the way thorns protrude.

Visually Confused Words