The hurdy-gurdy is a musical instrument that has been around for centuries. It is a string instrument that is played by turning a crank that rotates a wheel, which rubs against the strings causing them to vibrate and create sound. This unique instrument has a variety of synonyms that include the wheel fiddle, the barrel organ, the vielle-à-roue, the organistrum, the symphonie, and the dreidel. All these synonyms describe different aspects of the hurdy-gurdy, such as its mechanical components, its resemblance to an organ, and its musical genre. Despite the variations in terminology, the hurdy-gurdy remains a beloved and distinctive instrument that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.