Home Dictionary Pplectrum

plectrum

plectrum

Noun

pl: plectra

This term is the technical and formal designation for what is commonly referred to as a guitar pick. While pick is the dominant term in casual conversation and modern music industry jargon, plectrum is preferred in academic musicology, classical instrument descriptions, and formal instructional manuals.

Because it refers to a discrete physical object, it follows standard English countability rules. It is used to describe the specific tool used for striking strings, regardless of the material, though the choice of material often dictates the timbre of the sound produced.

Meanings

Nounplectrum

A small, flat piece of plastic, tortoiseshell, or metal used to pluck the strings of a musical instrument such as a guitar or mandolin.

He used a nylon plectrum to play the solo.

Examples

The musician gripped the plectrum tightly before the first chord.

Do you have a spare plectrum I can borrow?

Ancient Greek instruments were often played with a plectrum made of ivory.

History

I wonder if a nylon plectrum would produce a softer tone.

The plectrum slipped from his fingers and vanished into the amplifier.

A plectrum is essentially a small tool used to strike strings.

Trivia

She prefers using a heavy plectrum for more aggressive strumming.

Wait, I think I left my favorite plectrum in the guitar case.

The artisan carefully carved the plectrum from a piece of tortoiseshell.

Related Words

pick guitar mandolin banjo lute harp string instrument pluck strum music musician chord fret bridge soundboard plastic tortoiseshell celluloid nylon

Last Updated: May 2026•Report an Error