kazoo

American  

[kuh-zoo] / kəˈzu /

noun

plural

kazoos

1. Also called mirliton.  a musical toy consisting of a tube that is open at both ends and has a hole in the side covered with parchment or membrane, which produces a buzzing sound when the performer hums into one end.

2. Slang.

   1. the buttocks.

   2. the anus.

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idioms

1. pain in the kazoo, pain.

   Organizing the family reunion was a big pain in the kazoo.

2. up / out the kazoo, wazoo.

   We pay taxes up the kazoo, but the streets are still full of potholes and trash collection comes late.

kazoo British  

/ kəˈzuː /

noun

1. a cigar-shaped musical instrument of metal or plastic with a membranous diaphragm of thin paper that vibrates with a nasal sound when the player hums into it

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Etymology

Origin of kazoo

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; 1965–70 kazoo for def. 2; origin uncertain; alleged to be imitative; see wazoo ( def. )

Explanation

A kazoo is a musical instrument that you play by humming into it. The sound a kazoo makes is a silly, buzzing one. You wouldn't want to spend a relaxing evening listening to kazoo tunes. Kazoos are small, simple toys made of metal or plastic. All you have to do to play a kazoo is hum a tune. A membrane inside the kazoo vibrates, turning your humming voice into a musical sound. Kazoos were invented in the 1880s, and in the US they were given the imitative name kazoo, from the earlier slang bazoo, or "trumpet." In the UK, kazoos were originally called "Timmy Talkers."

Example Sentences

Behind the scenes, Moreno formulated her own Spanish-language takes on jazz, which listeners can hear in the 2006 funky, spy-like chromatic track “Escondidos” — which includes a kazoo solo in its outro.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Ms Millington's challenges have so far also included barefoot running, blacksmithing, beekeeping and busking on the streets of York in a turkey outfit playing Christmas songs on a kazoo.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2025

While lit with the penumbra of a spotlight aimed elsewhere, he coolly mimed the smoking of a cigarette with a kazoo.

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 2023

She was playing the kazoo and poking around.

From Salon • May 21, 2023

The Sand Piper marched ahead, playing on a tuneful instrument known as a kazoo.

From Marjorie at Seacote by Wells, Carolyn