woodwind

[ wood-wind ]

noun

1. a musical wind instrument of the group comprising the flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, and occasionally, the saxophones.
2. woodwinds, the section of an orchestra or band comprising the woodwind instruments.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or composed of woodwinds.

woodwind

/ ˈwʊdˌwɪnd /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or denoting a type of wind instrument, excluding the brass instruments, formerly made of wood but now often made of metal, such as the flute or clarinet

noun

1. functioning as plural woodwind instruments collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of woodwind¹

First recorded in 1875–80; wood ¹ + wind ³

Example Sentences

Such a small sample size can be particularly challenging when investigating woodwinds.

From Science News

Brass instruments, woodwinds and drums blared, with bass lines audible from the stairwell.

From Science News

To Marx, that meant setting brass and woodwinds aside to focus on strings.

From Washington Post

As the show begins, you immediately notice accomplished musical director Jon Kalbfleisch masked, conducting a terrific 16-person orchestra – also masked, except those musicians playing brass and woodwinds.

From Washington Blade

Strings and woodwind, brass and percussion, all are up to the best professional level.

From Project Gutenberg

But in the woodwind a dissenting theme appears from time to time: Man and his torments invade this sanctity of peace.

From Project Gutenberg

The strings prepare for the sonorous entrance of woodwind and horns.

From Project Gutenberg

The dance does not end without a soft reminder (in low woodwind) of the original sombre phrase.

From Project Gutenberg

Later comes a redoubled speed of the march in the woodwind, above a slower in low strings.

From Project Gutenberg