sousaphone

[ soo-zuh-fohn, -suh- ]

noun

1. a form of bass tuba, similar to the helicon, used in brass bands.

sousaphone

/ ˈsuːzəˌfəʊn /

noun

1. music a large tuba that encircles the player's body and has a bell facing forwards

sousaphone

1. A kind of tuba that wraps around the player's body so that it can be carried easily while marching.

Notes

The sousaphone is named after the bandmaster John Philip Sousa , who suggested building the instrument in this shape.

Derived Forms

• ˈsousaˌphonist, noun

Other Words From

• sousa·phonist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sousaphone¹

1920–25; named after J. P. Sousa; -phone

Word History and Origins

Origin of sousaphone¹

C20: named after John Philip Sousa

Example Sentences

When the band made a switch to another formation the sousaphones spelled out “Smile.”

From Seattle Times

There’s the sousaphone player from Ohio State who dots the ‘i’ in the marching band’s famed pregame routine.

From Los Angeles Times

The sound system had clearly been set up in haste: Brent “Bass Heavy Slim” Gossett’s sousaphone, massive as it was, was usually lost in the mix, and Bell’s vocals were often muddy.

From Washington Post

The two were trying to find the spot where the sousaphone would throw off the most shadow.

From New York Times

Passing drivers honked in support as a musician blew tunes on a bright pink sousaphone.

From Seattle Times