clarinet

[ klar-uh-net ]

noun

1. a woodwind instrument in the form of a cylindrical tube with a single reed attached to its mouthpiece.

clarinet

/ ˌklærɪˈnɛt /

noun

1. a keyed woodwind instrument with a cylindrical bore and a single reed. It is a transposing instrument, most commonly pitched in A or B flat Obsolete nameclarionetˌklærɪəˈnɛt
2. an orchestral musician who plays the clarinet

clarinet

1. A woodwind instrument, usually made of black wood or plastic, and played with a single reed . The clarinet has extensive use in Dixieland , jazz , and military music, as well as in classical music .

Notes

The most famous American clarinetist was Benny Goodman .

Derived Forms

• ˌclariˈnettist, noun

Other Words From

• clari·netist clari·nettist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clarinet¹

1790–1800; < French clarinette, equivalent to Old French clarin clarion + -ette -ette

Word History and Origins

Origin of clarinet¹

C18: from French clarinette, probably from Italian clarinetto, from clarino trumpet

Example Sentences

I suddenly became aware of a harmonica and a clarinet playing a weird, harmonious message.

From Project Gutenberg

He reappeared while Siebel, with the voice of a clarinet, was beginning to tell the flowers what they were to say to Margherita.

From Project Gutenberg

The clarinet has a mouthpiece containing a reed similar to that made by cutting a tongue on a straw or quill.

From Project Gutenberg

The length of the vibrating air column in the clarinet is changed by opening holes in the sides of the tube.

From Project Gutenberg

At length contra-bass and the two bassoons gather themselves together for a new effort and the clarinet has time to take a rest.

From Project Gutenberg