sitar

Where does the word "sitar" come from? It comes from Persian sehtar, passing through Hindi/Urdu before entering English (1840s).

Sitar’s story begins in Persian: sehtar meant “three strings.” Literally three strings, from se (three) and tar (string). By medieval, the word had taken hold in Hindi/Urdu as sitar. Adapted into South Asian classical music for the long-necked stringed instrument. It reached English by 1840s as sitar. Persian 'three strings'; Ravi Shankar taught George Harrison, who played it on 'Norwegian Wood' (1965). Today, sitar means a long-necked, plucked stringed instrument used in South Asian classical music.

1. Stage 1 · Persian · medieval sehtar "three strings", literally three strings, from se (three) and tar (string).
2. Stage 2 · Hindi/Urdu · medieval sitar "a long-necked stringed instrument", adapted into South Asian classical music for the long-necked stringed instrument.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1840s sitar "a long-necked South Asian stringed instrument", Persian 'three strings'; Ravi Shankar taught George Harrison, who played it on 'Norwegian Wood' (1965).