vuvuzela

American  

[voo-voo-zel-uh] / ˌvu vuˈzɛl ə /

noun

1. South African. a long, plastic horn that makes a loud, monotone sound, typically blown by South African fans at soccer matches.

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vuvuzela British  

/ ˌvuːvuːˈzɛlə /

noun

1. an elongated plastic instrument that football fans blow to make a loud noise similar to the trumpeting of an elephant

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Etymology

Origin of vuvuzela

Probably from Zulu vuvu

Example Sentences

On Monday afternoon, sporadic vuvuzela toots and car horns could still be heard downtown, although unclear whether a holdover from the prior night's celebrations or in anticipation of the team's forthcoming arrival.

From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026

Uefa prohibited the use of some devices following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa that was dominated by use of the vuvuzela from the stands.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2024

Come for the glib self-owns, the vuvuzela as punctuation, the hotel suite toga parties.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2020

Ten years ago: Over the din of vuvuzela horns in Johannesburg, South Africa, Spain won soccer’s World Cup after an exhausting 1-0 victory in extra time over the Netherlands.

From Washington Times • Jul. 11, 2020

He then let out a loud honk on a plastic green and yellow vuvuzela, the horn made famous in the South African games in 2010.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2018