mandolin, also spelled mandoline, small stringed musical instrument in the lute family. It evolved in the 18th century in Italy and Germany from the 16th-century mandora. The instrument's modern form and proportions were strongly influenced by the maker Pasquale Vinaccia of Naples (1806–82).

When was the mandolin most popular?

The instrument's popularity continued to increase during the 1890s and mandolin popularity was at its height in the "early years of the 20th century." Thousands were taking up the instrument as a pastime, and it became an instrument of society, taken up by young men and women.

When did the mandolin come to America?

The Mandolin Comes To North America

It was in vogue in the 1850s, when it shared the parlor with zithers, mandolas, ukuleles, and other novelties designed to amuse the increasingly leisured middle class.