NYT Dictionary

BALALAIKA

/bæləˈlaɪkə/
NounBAL-a-lai-kabal-a-lai-ka · 4 syllablesGrade 11

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Meaning

A plucked stringed instrument with a triangular body, short neck and three strings, of Russian origin.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

From Russian балала́йка (balalájka).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

banjoguitarlutemandolinsamisensitarukulele

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

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