What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dulcimer
Example
She played a beautiful tune on the dulcimer. [dulcimer: noun]
Example
He was dulcimer player in the local folk band. [dulcimer: adjective]
zither
Example
She learned to play the zither while studying abroad in Austria. [zither: noun]
Example
The band's zither player added a unique sound to their music. [zither: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Zither is more commonly used than dulcimer in everyday language. Zither is a versatile instrument that has been used in various cultures around the world, while dulcimer is less common and is more closely associated with Appalachian music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dulcimer and zither?
Both dulcimer and zither are associated with a formal tone due to their cultural significance and historical use in classical and folk music. However, zither may be slightly more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
