saxophone

noun

sax·​o·​phone ˈsak-sə-ˌfōn How to pronounce saxophone (audio)
: one of a group of single-reed woodwind instruments usually ranging from soprano to bass and characterized by a conical metal tube and finger keys
saxophonic adjective
saxophonist
ˈsak-sə-ˌfō-nist How to pronounce saxophone (audio)
 especially British  sak-ˈsä-fə-
noun

Illustration of saxophone

Illustration of saxophone

Examples of saxophone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The jazz band includes some of the top young players in the state, led by teen saxophone virtuoso Kahlil Childs, who won the Jazz Excellence Organization’s Young Artist Grant. San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 Marsalis takes his time with the piece, stating the theme on soprano saxophone and leaving space for the rhythm section — the pianist Joey Calderazzo, the bassist Eric Revis and the drummer Justin Faulkner — to set up a lovely rubato ballad texture. Hank Shteamer, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 With his profound love for the saxophone and an innate enthusiasm for Latin percussion, Sebastian captivates audiences through soulful improvisations that reflect his vibrant personality. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025 Behind angular shades and a trenchcoat, the multi-instrumentalist — who switched between playing guitar, keyboard and saxophone while singing — performed a bilingual mix of indie dream pop, fused with moments of vintage rock and Chicano soul. Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for saxophone

Word History

Etymology

French, from Antoine-Joseph (or Adolphe) Sax †1894 Belgian instrument maker + French -phone

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of saxophone was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saxophone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saxophone. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

saxophone

noun
sax·​o·​phone ˈsak-sə-ˌfōn How to pronounce saxophone (audio)
: a musical instrument of the woodwind class consisting of a usually curved metal tube with finger keys and a reed mouthpiece
saxophonist noun
Etymology

named for Antoine "Adolph" Sax 1814–1894 a Belgian maker of musical instruments

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