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euphonium

American  
[yoo-foh-nee-uhm] / juˈfoʊ 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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of euphonium

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

Sometimes she performs duets with her husband, who plays the euphonium, or for the uninitiated, “a brass instrument that looks a lot like a small tuba,” Ray said.

From Washington Post Jan. 9, 2022

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

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 5, 2019

The Ring also called for the invention of subsequently dubbed 'Wagner tubas, a hybrid that combined elements of the French horn, trombone and euphonium.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

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