Plural of citharodus; ancient Greek or Roman musicians who sang while accompanying themselves on the cithara.
From Greek kitharoidoi (κιθαρῳδοί), literally 'cithara-singers,' combining kithara (instrument) with aidos (singer). This was a professional category of musicians in ancient Greece.
Citharoedi were the superstar performers of ancient Greece—they competed in prestigious contests like the Pythian Games at Delphi, and these competitions were so important that they influenced the development of Greek music and poetry in ways that echo through Western culture today.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.