euphonium

American  

[yoo-foh-nee-uhm] / yuˈfoʊ ni əm /

noun

1. a brass musical instrument similar to the baritone tuba but somewhat smaller, with a wider bore and mellower tone, and often having a second bell.

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euphonium British  

/ juːˈfəʊnɪəm /

noun

1. a brass musical instrument with four valves; the tenor of the tuba family. It is used mainly in brass bands

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Etymology

Origin of euphonium

First recorded in 1860–65; euph(ony) + (harm)onium

Example Sentences

Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will also perform at the Abbey.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025

Her fervent pursuit to professionally play the euphonium, which is not used in traditional symphony orchestras, had come with many stressful auditions.

From New York Times • May 27, 2024

Recall that lone euphonium and piano at the beginning and end of Jackie DeShannon’s recording of “What the World Needs Now.”

From Washington Post • Feb. 10, 2023

Rountree played in a Weezer-inspired band with friends, gigged on his trombone and won euphonium competitions.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2019

I looked for the euphonium player and saw a slender black man with his face turned toward the sun, singing through the upturned bells of the horn.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison