banjo

Meanings

Noun

• A stringed musical instrument (chordophone), usually with a round body, a membrane-like soundboard and a fretted neck, played by plucking or strumming the strings.
• Any of various similar musical instruments, such as the Tuvan doshpuluur, with a membrane-like soundboard.
• An object shaped like a banjo, especially a frying pan or a shovel.
• A cul-de-sac with a round end.

Verb

• To play a banjo.
• To beat, to knock down.
• To shell or attack (a target).

Origin

• A corruption of bandore, from the pronunciation of African slaves.