bagpipe

American  

[bag-pahyp] / ˈbægˌpaɪp /

noun

1. Often bagpipes. a reed instrument consisting of a melody pipe and one or more accompanying drone pipes protruding from a windbag into which the air is blown by the mouth or a bellows.

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verb (used with object)

bagpiped, bagpiping

1. Nautical. to back (a fore-and-aft sail) by hauling the sheet to windward.

bagpipe British  

/ ˈbæɡˌpaɪp /

noun

1. (modifier) of or relating to the bagpipes

   a bagpipe maker

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Other Word Forms

• bagpiper noun

Etymology

Origin of bagpipe

First recorded in 1300–50, bagpipe is from the Middle English word baggepipe. See bag, pipe ¹

Explanation

A bagpipe is a musical instrument that's played by blowing into a bag through a pipe. The bagpipes are commonly associated with Scotland. It's more common to use the plural form — bagpipes — or even "the pipes" or "a set of pipes." The music produced by bagpipes is distinctive, with a constant harmonizing sound being produced by the drone pipe, and no rests between notes. The bagpipe player squeezes the bag with his arm as he blows a pipe called a chanter, and in formal situations he might wear a kilt and knee socks.

Example Sentences

Other shows retooled their broadcasts to share fond memories of Kirk, between visual tiles crafted in tribute to his life and accompanying bursts of bagpipe processions.

From Slate • Sep. 22, 2025

The service, which featured bagpipe music, a color guard and the laying of wreaths, concluded after about an hour with the release of a dozen white doves from a woven basket.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2025

More than a hundred spectators watched from a hill above the garden as a bagpipe played “Amazing Grace” at the end.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

Traditions up for consideration could include Highland dancing, bagpipe playing, cheese-rolling and Welsh valley male voice choirs.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2023

It is a concept that survives to this day in the music of the bagpipe.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall