euphonium

American  

[yoo-foh-nee-uhm] / yuˈfoʊ ni əm /

noun

1. a brass musical instrument similar to the baritone tuba but somewhat smaller, with a wider bore and mellower tone, and often having a second bell.

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euphonium British  

/ juːˈfəʊnɪəm /

noun

1. a brass musical instrument with four valves; the tenor of the tuba family. It is used mainly in brass bands

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Etymology

Origin of euphonium

First recorded in 1860–65; euph(ony) + (harm)onium

Example Sentences

Carys's 11-year-old sister, Eliza, who plays the euphonium, will also perform at the Abbey.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025

Her fervent pursuit to professionally play the euphonium, which is not used in traditional symphony orchestras, had come with many stressful auditions.

From New York Times • May 27, 2024

Sometimes she performs duets with her husband, who plays the euphonium, or for the uninitiated, “a brass instrument that looks a lot like a small tuba,” Ray said.

From Washington Post • Jan. 9, 2022

At Woodbridge High, he was the captain of the hockey team, president of the Latin club and a player of the trombone and the euphonium in the band, his first formal musical training.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2019

The Ring also called for the invention of subsequently dubbed 'Wagner tubas, a hybrid that combined elements of the French horn, trombone and euphonium.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall