bagpipe

American  

[bag-pahyp] / ˈbægˌpaɪp /

noun

1. Often bagpipes. a reed instrument consisting of a melody pipe and one or more accompanying drone pipes protruding from a windbag into which the air is blown by the mouth or a bellows.

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verb (used with object)

bagpiped, bagpiping

1. Nautical. to back (a fore-and-aft sail) by hauling the sheet to windward.

bagpipe British  

/ ˈbæɡˌpaɪp /

noun

1. (modifier) of or relating to the bagpipes

   a bagpipe maker

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Other Word Forms

• bagpiper noun

Etymology

Origin of bagpipe

First recorded in 1300–50, bagpipe is from the Middle English word baggepipe. See bag, pipe ¹

Explanation

A bagpipe is a musical instrument that's played by blowing into a bag through a pipe. The bagpipes are commonly associated with Scotland. It's more common to use the plural form — bagpipes — or even "the pipes" or "a set of pipes." The music produced by bagpipes is distinctive, with a constant harmonizing sound being produced by the drone pipe, and no rests between notes. The bagpipe player squeezes the bag with his arm as he blows a pipe called a chanter, and in formal situations he might wear a kilt and knee socks.

Example Sentences

In addition to the more traditional Chinese performances, including lion and dragon dancers, this year’s parade featured marching bands, ballet folklórico dancers and a bagpipe troupe, highlighting the event’s theme: “Unity in the Community.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

Other shows retooled their broadcasts to share fond memories of Kirk, between visual tiles crafted in tribute to his life and accompanying bursts of bagpipe processions.

From Slate • Sep. 22, 2025

And so she takes that message with her in the evenings when she's teaching her bagpipe class at the Banchory Royal British Legion Club.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2025

More than a hundred spectators watched from a hill above the garden as a bagpipe played “Amazing Grace” at the end.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

John was just beginning to play it for the third time when there was an answer to it in the form of a bagpipe jig.

From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli