pitch pipe

American  

noun

1. a small flute or reed pipe producing one or more pitches when blown into, used chiefly for establishing the proper pitch in singing or in tuning a musical instrument.

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pitch pipe British  

noun

1. a small pipe, esp one having a reed like a harmonica, that sounds a note or notes of standard frequency. It is used for establishing the correct starting note for unaccompanied singing

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Etymology

Origin of pitch pipe

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

Then the woman pulls out a pitch pipe and blows a note.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2022

The only instrument heard during the 100-minute production, supplely and imaginatively directed by Annie Tippe, is a pitch pipe.

From New York Times • May 20, 2019

In his coat pocket he carries a pitch pipe, and on breaks he may pull out a musical score to pore over.

From New York Times • Nov. 16, 2018

It starts with a tone from the pitch pipe.

From Washington Times • Feb. 13, 2017

All these things—the flags, the pitch pipe songs, the British Empire and the princesses, the war orphans, even the strappings —are superimposed against the ominous navy-blue background of Miss Lumley’s invisible bloomers.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood