trombone

[ trom-bohn, trom-bohn ]

noun

1. a musical wind instrument consisting of a cylindrical metal tube expanding into a bell and bent twice in a U shape, usually equipped with a slide slide trombone.

trombone

/ trɒmˈbəʊn /

noun

1. a brass instrument, a low-pitched counterpart of the trumpet, consisting of a tube the effective length of which is varied by means of a U-shaped slide. The usual forms of this instrument are the tenor trombone (range: about two and a half octaves upwards from E) and the bass trombone (pitched a fourth lower)
2. a person who plays this instrument in an orchestra

trombone

1. A brass instrument; the player can change its pitch by sliding one part of the tube in and out of the other. The tone of the trombone is mellower than that of the trumpet .

Derived Forms

• tromˈbonist, noun

Other Words From

• trom·bon·ist [trom-, boh, -nist, trom, -boh-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of trombone¹

1715–25; < Italian, equivalent to tromb ( a ) trumpet (< Provençal < Germanic; compare Old High German trumpa, trumba horn, trumpet) + -one augmentative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of trombone¹

C18: from Italian, from tromba a trumpet, from Old High German trumba

Example Sentences

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

A trombone covered in wax, along with other accompanying small sculptures, suggests an esoteric ritual waiting to be enacted.

From New York Times

He played the trombone and piano in his high school band and later joined The Toppers, traveling around southern Louisiana before making it big.

From Seattle Times

His video “When You Make the Trombone SING” takes on a soaring trombone solo by Frank Lacy from a performance in 1988 with the Art Blakey Big Band.

From New York Times

The wry tubas and trombones that accentuate the opening section.

From Los Angeles Times