fife

¹

[ fahyf ]

noun

1. a high-pitched transverse flute used commonly in military and marching musical groups.

verb (used with or without object)

, fifed, fif·ing.

1. to play on a fife.

Fife

²

[ fahyf ]

noun

1. Also called Fife·shire [fahyf, -sheer, -sher]. a historic county in E Scotland.
2. a region in E Scotland. 504 sq. mi. (1,305 sq. km).

Fife

¹

/ faɪf /

noun

1. FifeDuncan Duncan See Duncan Phyfe

fife

²

/ faɪf /

noun

1. a small high-pitched flute similar to the piccolo and usually having no keys, used esp in military bands

verb

1. to play (music) on a fife

Fife

³

/ faɪf /

noun

1. a council area and historical county of E central Scotland, bordering on the North Sea between the Firths of Tay and Forth: coastal lowlands in the north and east, with several ranges of hills; mainly agricultural. Administrative centre: Glenrothes. Pop: 352 040 (2003 est). Area: 1323 sq km (511 sq miles)

fife

1. A small flute with a high, piercing tone, used mainly in military bands.

Derived Forms

• ˈfifer, noun

Other Words From

• fifer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fife¹

1540–50; < German Pfeife pipe ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fife¹

C16: from Old High German pfīfa ; see pipe ¹

Example Sentences

“Death to My Hometown” carried a faint whiff of Revolutionary War cosplay as several E Streeters temporarily became a miniature fife and drum corps.

From Los Angeles Times

His supporters, some dressed as American Revolution-era patriots and playing fifes, were thrilled by Ramaswamy’s turn in the spotlight Wednesday night.

From Los Angeles Times

One man played along on a little twinkling flute called a fife.

From Literature

The two presidents celebrated the “ironclad alliance” amid fife and drums on the White House lawn ahead of their high-level meetings and a state dinner.

From Washington Times

But soon, especially with so much labor needed for the tobacco fields, Africans were brought to Virginia and sold as slaves for fife.

From Literature

Related Words

• blare
• hiss