crumhorn

[ kruhm-hawrn ]

noun

1. a Renaissance musical reed instrument having a cylindrical tube curved at the end.

crumhorn

/ ˈkrʌmˌhɔːn /

noun

1. a medieval woodwind instrument of bass pitch, consisting of an almost cylindrical tube curving upwards and blown through a double reed covered by a pierced cap

Word History and Origins

Origin of crumhorn¹

1950–55; < German Krummhorn, equivalent to krumm “crooked, bent” + Horn horn

Word History and Origins

Origin of crumhorn¹

C17 cromorne, krumhorn, from German Krummhorn curved horn

Example Sentences

He is also credited with playing several instruments, including the recorder, the crumhorn, and “dry ice.”

From The New Yorker

There he spent much time in Renaissance consorts playing obscure instruments like the crumhorn — “which sounds like a pig being slaughtered,” he said — before attending Princeton to gain his doctorate in ecology, evolution and behavior.

From New York Times

The Baltimore Consort The early-music ensemble brings Yuletide cheer -- and instruments, such as the viol, crumhorn and cittern -- from a much earlier time in "Wassail, Wassail!" presented by the Early Music Guild.

From Seattle Times

The early-music ensemble brings Yuletide cheer — and instruments, such as the viol, crumhorn and cittern — from a much earlier time in “Wassail, Wassail!” presented by the Early Music Guild.

From Seattle Times

Born in Birmingham, Munrow's essential early-music inspiration came when he was at studying English at Cambridge, and discovered a crumhorn hanging on the wall of a friend's room.

From The Guardian