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

See Examples For:

uilleann pipes

The uilleann pipes, also known as Union pipes or Irish pipes, have been played for centuries and are a beloved instrument in Irish traditional music.

From BBC ● Feb. 13, 2025

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

By age eight, he was learning to play the uilleann pipes under pipe master, Leo Rowsome.

From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2021

The uilleann pipes are similar to bagpipes but use the elbow to generate air for making sound.

From New York Times ● Mar. 6, 2014

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