clarinet

[ klar-uh-net ]

noun

1. a woodwind instrument in the form of a cylindrical tube with a single reed attached to its mouthpiece.

clarinet

/ ˌklærɪˈnɛt /

noun

1. a keyed woodwind instrument with a cylindrical bore and a single reed. It is a transposing instrument, most commonly pitched in A or B flat Obsolete nameclarionetˌklærɪəˈnɛt
2. an orchestral musician who plays the clarinet

clarinet

1. A woodwind instrument, usually made of black wood or plastic, and played with a single reed . The clarinet has extensive use in Dixieland , jazz , and military music, as well as in classical music .

Notes

The most famous American clarinetist was Benny Goodman .

Derived Forms

• ˌclariˈnettist, noun

Other Words From

• clari·netist clari·nettist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clarinet¹

1790–1800; < French clarinette, equivalent to Old French clarin clarion + -ette -ette

Word History and Origins

Origin of clarinet¹

C18: from French clarinette, probably from Italian clarinetto, from clarino trumpet

Example Sentences

“And I thought that by injecting some of that high clarinet, the muted trombones and the piano groove, I would take the audience back to that era without playing jazz.”

From Los Angeles Times

That theme — later orchestrated with a buzzing hive of strings, solo clarinet, piano and percussion — became the soul of the whole score.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, in the middle of it all, lulled by the flutter of Chris Speed’s clarinet, Holter seems to step outside of the labyrinth for a breath of fresh air.

From New York Times

As I got closer, I saw a well-dressed man playing an unusual instrument that sounded like a flute but looked like a clarinet.

From Los Angeles Times

The farmers and miners got to hear the most intoxicating music on Earth from brassy cornet players and driving saxophonists, exotic trombone mutes, squealing trumpets and sultry clarinets.

From Los Angeles Times