hurdy-gurdy UK /ˈhɜː.diˌɡɜː.di/US /ˈhɝː.diˌɡɝː.di/noun 4adjective 1forms 1 noun4 •A stringed instrument that produces a droning sound by turning a handle that connects to a wheel that rubs against a rosined string, with a keyboard also used to alter the pitch of the string. •Synonym of street organ, often considered a misnomer.He flung open the door, and found there only a ragged boy with a hurdy-gurdy on his back. — 1956 •A winch, a windlass. •(US) A water wheel with radial buckets, driven by the impact of a jet. adjective1 •(humorous) Sounding like the Swedish language.“You mean when she read that God-awful poem in her hurdy-gurdy Swedish chef accent? — 1995 formshurdy-gurdies
