piccolo

[ pik-uh-loh ]

noun

, plural pic·co·los.

1. a small flute sounding an octave higher than the ordinary flute.

piccolo

/ ˈpɪkəˌləʊ /

noun

1. a woodwind instrument, the smallest member of the flute family, lying an octave above that of the flute See flute

piccolo

1. A small, high-pitched flute .

Word History and Origins

Origin of piccolo¹

1855–60; < Italian: literally, small

Word History and Origins

Origin of piccolo¹

C19: from Italian: small; compare English petty , French petit

Example Sentences

Band members received new uniforms, new drums and, most recently, new flutes and piccolos, all of it paid for by the district’s budget for the arts.

From Los Angeles Times

A tuba is also much harder for a thief to pilfer than, say, a piccolo, or even a trumpet.

From New York Times

In the Lento e deserto, the work’s only slow movement, the lonely yowlings of piccolo, bassoon and slide whistle formed a tender yet humorous trio.

From New York Times

And its finish: that long drawn-out sigh of clarinet, the delayed relief of its puff of piccolo — just perfect.

From Washington Post

His father’s cousin, he said, played the saxophone and introduced him to the instrument; Mr. Press later added flute, clarinet, piccolo and others to his arsenal.

From New York Times