Piano vs. Keyboard — What's the Difference?

The piano is an acoustic, stringed musical instrument invented in Italy by Bartolomeo Cristofori around the year 1700 (the exact year is uncertain), in which the strings are struck by wooden hammers that are coated with a softer material (modern hammers are covered with dense wool felt; some early pianos used leather). It is played using a keyboard, which is a row of keys (small levers) that the performer presses down or strikes with the fingers and thumbs of both hands to cause the hammers to strike the strings.

A panel of buttons used for typing and performing other functions on a computer or typewriter.

A large keyboard musical instrument with a wooden case enclosing a soundboard and metal strings, which are struck by hammers when the keys are depressed. The strings' vibration is stopped by dampers when the keys are released and can be regulated for length and volume by two or three pedals.

A row of levers that are depressed with the fingers to produce or modulate the sound of an instrument, such as a piano or organ.

A passage performed or marked to be performed softly.

Any of various instruments, played by means of a musical keyboard, often connected to a synthesizer or amplifier.

(especially as a direction) soft or softly.

To set (copy) by means of a keyed typesetting machine

(especially as a direction) soft or softly.

To enter (text or data) into a computer by means of a keyboard.

A musical instrument with a manual keyboard actuating hammers that strike wire strings, producing sounds that may be softened or sustained by means of pedals.

(Music) To play (a composition) on a piano or keyboard.

A passage to be played softly or quietly.

A set of keys used to operate a typewriter, computer etc.

In a soft or quiet tone. Used chiefly as a direction.

(music) A component of many instruments including the piano, organ, and harpsichord consisting of usually black and white keys that cause different tones to be produced when struck.

(musical instruments) a percussive keyboard musical instrument, usually ranging over seven octaves, with white and black colored keys, played by pressing these keys, causing hammers to strike strings

(music) A device with keys of a musical keyboard, used to control electronic sound-producing devices which may be built into or separate from the keyboard device.

To play the piano.

(intransitive) To type on a computer keyboard.

(of or with fingers) To move (the fingers) up and down on, similar to the motions of a pianist playing the piano.

The whole arrangement, or one range, of the keys{3} of an organ, piano, typewriter, etc.; that part of a device containing the keys{3} used to operate it.

To equip with a piano.

Device consisting of a set of keys on a piano or organ or typewriter or typesetting machine or computer or the like

To become softer and less intense.

Holder consisting of an arrangement of hooks on which keys or locks can be hung

(music) softly, as a musical direction (abbreviated to p. in sheet music)

(music) Soft, quiet.

(in extended use) Gentle, soft, subdued.

Soft; - a direction to the performer to execute a certain passage softly, and with diminished volume of tone. (Abbrev. p.

A well-known musical instrument somewhat resembling the harpsichord, and consisting of a series of wires of graduated length, thickness, and tension, struck by hammers moved by keys.

A stringed instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds

(music) low loudness

Used chiefly as a direction or description in music;

Used as a direction in music; to be played relatively softly