1. a percussion instrument with metal strings stretched over a trapezoidal wooden soundboard, played by striking the strings with small hammers
Usage: also called a hammered dulcimer
2. a stringed instrument with a fretted fingerboard, played by plucking or strumming the strings, common in Appalachian folk music
Usage: also called an Appalachian dulcimer or mountain dulcimer

Examples

• She played a beautiful melody on the dulcimer at the folk music festival.
• The dulcimer's soft, resonant tones filled the concert hall.
• He learned to play the Appalachian dulcimer as a child in Kentucky.
• The hammered dulcimer is popular in Middle Eastern and European music traditions.
• The dulcimer requires skill to produce clear, distinct notes.
• Traditional folk musicians often feature the dulcimer in their performances.