Etymology Map
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Dombra

2 stages from Kazakh to English.

Today it means a long-necked two-stringed lute, the national instrument of Kazakhstan

Where does the word "dombra" come from? It comes from Kazakh dombıra, adopted directly into English (1900s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
dombıra
Kazakh · medieval
"two-stringed lute"
played by the 'akyn' improvising poets of the steppe
2
Stage 2 of 2
dombra
English · 1900s
"Kazakh lute"
entered English through Kazakh music; Kazakhstan celebrates a national Dombra Day each July
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Read the full story

Dombra’s story begins in Kazakh: dombıra meant “two-stringed lute.” Played by the 'akyn' improvising poets of the steppe. It reached English by 1900s as dombra. Entered English through Kazakh music; Kazakhstan celebrates a national Dombra Day each July. Today, dombra means a long-necked two-stringed lute, the national instrument of Kazakhstan.