cithara
noun
cith·a·ra
ˈsi-thə-rə 
ˈki-
ˈki-
variant of kithara
: an ancient Greek stringed instrument similar to but larger than the lyre and having a box-shaped resonator
Examples of cithara in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In fact, Nero often played a type of lyre called a cithara.
—
Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 9 Aug. 2023
For his part, Nero gave himself over to the pursuits that mattered most to him—chariot-driving, singing, poetry and playing the cithara, a stringed instrument like a lyre but more complex and much harder to master.
—Gaia Squarci, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 9 Aug. 2023
For his part, Nero gave himself over to the pursuits that mattered most to him—chariot-driving, singing, poetry and playing the cithara, a stringed instrument like a lyre but more complex and much harder to master.
—Gaia Squarci, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Cithara.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cithara. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share