bagpipe

[ bag-pahyp ]

noun

1. Often bagpipes. a reed instrument consisting of a melody pipe and one or more accompanying drone pipes protruding from a windbag into which the air is blown by the mouth or a bellows.

verb (used with object)

, bag·piped, bag·pip·ing.

1. Nautical. to back (a fore-and-aft sail) by hauling the sheet to windward.

bagpipe

/ ˈbæɡˌpaɪp /

noun

1. modifier of or relating to the bagpipes

   a bagpipe maker

Other Words From

• bagpiper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bagpipe¹

First recorded in 1300–50, bagpipe is from the Middle English word baggepipe. See bag, pipe ¹

Example Sentences

He played bagpipes and thought he could busk his way up there and back.

From Outside Online

Over the next few years, Kevin actually got to Alaska with his bagpipes, and then he wrote a nonfiction book about the adventure.

From Outside Online

A window was open, through which his bagpipe might have been seen hanging to a nail upon the wall.

From Project Gutenberg

The camp-fire still blazed; near it a bagpipe crooned; now and again a horse shook in its harness.

From Project Gutenberg

He played extremely well on the Northumberland bagpipe, and his neighbour was a good performer on the flageolet.

From Project Gutenberg

The wild wail of a bagpipe smote the air and the four boon companions rushed to the window.

From Project Gutenberg

In one instance, the head of Luther is represented as the Devil's Bagpipe; he blows into his ear, and uses his nose as a chanter.

From Project Gutenberg