uilleann pipes

American  

[ahy-luhn] / ˈaɪ lən /

Or uillean pipes

plural noun

1. Often uilleann pipe. Irish bagpipes held on the knee or under the arms with bellows operated by the elbow.

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Etymology

Origin of uilleann pipes

First recorded in 1875–80; from Irish píob uilleann “pipe of the elbow,” from Irish Gaelic píob “pipe” (ultimately from Vulgar Latin pipa) + uilleann, genitive singular of uillin “elbow,” akin to Latin ulna, Greek ōlénē, Old English eln, elnboga, elboga elbow ( def. )

Example Sentences

Chris said since the advert aired, he has received so many messages asking about the uilleann pipes and said he was delighted to help highlight the instrument.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2025

But Moloney was also an in-demand session musician, lending his haunting work on the uilleann pipes to recordings by the Stones, Stevie Wonder and others.

From BBC • Oct. 15, 2021

Mr. Moloney remained a constant, playing the tin whistle and uilleann pipes — a gentler cousin of the Great Highland bagpipes — in addition to writing and arranging the band’s music.

From Washington Post • Oct. 12, 2021

Students of all melody instruments, and particularly those who play the tin whistle and uilleann pipes, will learn slides, scoops and more in this three-hour session.

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2011

So the idea of having Tunde playing kora, an instrument from the Malian and traditional worlds, collaborating with Brian, a uilleann pipes player, is really exciting.

From The Guardian • Mar. 31, 2011