Mouth-Organ
/ˈmaʊθ ˌɔːr.ɡən/noun
A small wind instrument played by blowing and drawing breath through holes, especially a harmonica.
Did you know?The word “organ” comes from Ancient Greek organon, meaning a tool or instrument, so a mouth-organ is literally an instrument operated by the mouth—not a reference to a body organ.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*werg-
“To do or work; the ancient root behind the idea of an instrument as a tool for action.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
érgon
“Work, deed, or task.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
órganon
“A tool, implement, or instrument; later also a musical instrument.”
Latin
Latin
organum
“An instrument, especially a musical instrument; source of English “organ.””
Old English
Old English
mūþ
“Mouth or opening of the mouth; source of modern English “mouth.””
19th Century
English
mouth-organ
“A mouth-played musical instrument, especially the harmonica or mouth harp.”