The hurdy-gurdy is a stringed musical instrument that produces sound by turning a hand-crank, which rubs against the strings. It typically has a keyboard that allows the player to change the pitch of the notes. The instrument is often associated with folk music and has a unique, droning sound. Originating in Europe during the Middle Ages, the hurdy-gurdy has been used in various cultural traditions. It is sometimes linked to medieval music and has seen a resurgence in popularity among folk musicians and enthusiasts of historical instruments.