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alphorn

British  
/ ˈælpˌhɔːn /

noun

  1. music a wind instrument used in the Swiss Alps, consisting of a very long tube of wood or bark with a cornet-like mouthpiece

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of alphorn

C19: from German Alpenhorn Alps horn

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The lineup also includes Mozart’s Concerto for alphorn and chamber orchestra and Ravel’s “Pavane for a Dead Princess.”

From New York Times • Jun. 11, 2015

These days, there are 30 professional alphorn makers in Switzerland, he said, but only three others, like Bachmann’s, make them all by hand.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2015

Suddenly, an alphorn boom began, and even furniture makers with no musical background decided to get in on the newfound popularity.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2015

One plays the alphorn like a bugle: no keys or buttons.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2015

"Goldfinger," Shirley Bassey It's less a song than an alphorn to herd people into movie theaters, and Bassey walks the line between seduction and camp with the same dexterity as Sean Connery.

From Time Magazine Archive

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