English horn

American  

noun

1. a large oboe, a fifth lower in pitch than the ordinary oboe, having a pear-shaped bell and producing a mellow tone.

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English horn British  

noun

1. music another name for cor anglais

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Etymology

Origin of English horn

First recorded in 1830–40

Compare meaning

How does english-horn compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• English horn vs. French horn

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

English horn

Pedro R. Díaz played the haunting English horn solos—in costume in the tunnel—embodying the lifelong mourning that torments Tristan.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 11, 2026

“I started out on oboe at Eastman,” he said, “but I also played English horn in some of the performing groups. It was already my preference. It fits my musical persona like a glove.”

From New York Times ● May 12, 2023

Kudos to them all, particularly to the eloquent English horn of Stefan Farkas, whose solo passages added so much to the atmosphere of longing and heartbreak.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 17, 2022

His first instrument was the violin, and he also learned the tuba, English horn and percussion instruments before taking up the bass at Jules E. Mastbaum High School, which has produced many outstanding musicians.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 21, 2020

Of my minor works, you can still have Variations for two oboes and one English horn, on the theme from "Don Giovanni," "La ci darem la mano," and a Gratulation Minuet for a full orchestra.

From Beethoven's Letters 1790-1826, Volume 2 by Nohl, Ludwig