organ-grinder
1 of 1noun/ˈɔrgənˌgraɪndər/
Forms:organ-grinders
1
a person who plays a hand-cranked organ, typically accompanied by a trained monkey, to entertain passersby on the streets
An organ-grinder is a performer who operates a mechanical organ, often called a barrel organ, to produce music. The performer turns a crank on the side of the organ, which causes the internal mechanisms to play a series of tunes. Organ-grinders typically perform in public spaces, such as streets or parks, where they may also have a trained monkey or other small animal to accompany them, adding to the entertainment. Their performances often evoke a nostalgic or traditional atmosphere, providing lively and charming music for passersby.
- The organ-grinder's lively tunes filled the air as he cranked the handle of his street organ.
- As an organ-grinder, he traveled from town to town, delighting crowds with his music and his monkey's antics.
- The streets of the city were often enlivened by the sounds of organ-grinders and their performing animals.
- Organ-grinders were a common sight in urban areas during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- The organ-grinder's performance drew a crowd of curious onlookers eager to enjoy the nostalgic entertainment.