saxophone

American  

[sak-suh-fohn] / ˈsæk səˌfoʊn /

noun

1. a musical wind instrument consisting of a conical, usually brass tube with keys or valves and a mouthpiece with one reed.

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saxophone British  

/ ˈsæksəˌfəʊn, sækˈsɒfənɪst, ˌsæksəˈfɒnɪk /

noun

1. Often shortened to: sax.  a keyed wind instrument of mellow tone colour, used mainly in jazz and dance music. It is made in various sizes, has a conical bore, and a single reed

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saxophone Cultural  

1. A wind instrument classified as a woodwind because it is played with a reed, although it is usually made of metal. Saxophones appear mainly in jazz, dance, and military bands. They are made in several ranges, from soprano to bass.

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Other Word Forms

• saxophonic adjective
• saxophonist noun

Etymology

Origin of saxophone

1850–55; Sax ( saxhorn ) + -o- + -phone

Example Sentences

He interviewed some of the band members, poorly, and then grabbed a saxophone to do some inspired fake playing.

From Los Angeles Times

Often bare-chested or draped in the wax-printed fabric popular across West Africa, hair shaped into a crisp Afro, saxophone in hand, eyes alert with intensity, he commanded a large band of more than 20 musicians.

From BBC

I can read about the fact that maybe at a time saxophone was taking precedence over jazz vocals or with each era, there’s a new focus.

From Los Angeles Times

Bill Clinton’s appearance on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” where he delivered a rendition of “Heartbreak Hotel” on the saxophone, was considered a breakthrough moment in his successful 1992 campaign for the White House.

From Los Angeles Times

In truth, you are hearing three saxophones, but they’re all being played simultaneously by one man.

From The Wall Street Journal