Kithara
/ˈkɪθ.ə.rə/noun
An ancient Greek stringed instrument of the lyre family, especially one used by professional musicians.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, the kithara was strongly associated with Apollo and elite performance, so its sound sat at the crossroads of art, ritual, and divine authority.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κιθάρα (kithára)
“A lyre-like stringed instrument used by professional performers and in ceremonial contexts”
Classical Antiquity
Greek
κιθάρα (kithára)
“A formal, high-status plucked instrument linked with Apollo and public musical performance”
Late Antiquity / Early Borrowing
Latin
cithara
“A Greek stringed instrument borrowed into Latin”
Old French / Medieval Latin
French/Latin
citole / cithare
“Various medieval stringed instruments and learned forms influenced by the Greek name”
Middle English
English
giterne / citole / cithern
“Names for related plucked string instruments in medieval and early modern English”
Modern English
English
kithara
“A scholarly or modern term for the ancient Greek instrument”