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

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

The English horn issued a plaintive, simple melody, as if trying to evoke older memories of a nearly forgotten time.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2025

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

A somber English horn solo early in the piece recalled the famous “New World” Largo, which directly preceded it on the program.

From New York Times • Mar. 17, 2021

It is scored for full orchestra with harp, and an important part for English horn.

From Shakespeare and Music by Wilson, Christopher