clarinet

American  

[klar-uh-net] / ˌklær əˈnɛt /

noun

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

---

clarinet British  

/ ˌklærɪˈnɛt /

noun

1. Obsolete name: clarionet.  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

2. an orchestral musician who plays the clarinet

---

clarinet Cultural  

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.

---

Discover More

The most famous American clarinetist was Benny Goodman.

Other Word Forms

• clarinetist noun
• clarinettist noun

Etymology

Origin of clarinet

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

Example Sentences

On “Rules,” a danceable tune with a Western swing beat and a charming clarinet solo, she begins by reciting numbers and then launches into what the guidelines will be for her relationships.

From The Wall Street Journal

He’s equally proficient on clarinet, providing intermittent solos of captivating beauty.

From The Wall Street Journal

And Gregory Williams, the associate principal clarinet, supplied a bevy of impressive technical effects to enhance character.

From The Wall Street Journal

Later in the record, a growling bass clarinet on “I Need You” makes the jazzy beat sound dangerous, like slow exhalations from a sleeping dragon.

From The Wall Street Journal

The score is a tone poem for cascading piano, string quartet and sighing clarinet lines.

From Los Angeles Times