saxophone

American  

[sak-suh-fohn] / ˈsæk səˌfoʊn /

noun

1. a musical wind instrument consisting of a conical, usually brass tube with keys or valves and a mouthpiece with one reed.

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saxophone British  

/ ˈsæksəˌfəʊn, sækˈsɒfənɪst, ˌsæksəˈfɒnɪk /

noun

1. Often shortened to: sax.  a keyed wind instrument of mellow tone colour, used mainly in jazz and dance music. It is made in various sizes, has a conical bore, and a single reed

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saxophone Cultural  

1. A wind instrument classified as a woodwind because it is played with a reed, although it is usually made of metal. Saxophones appear mainly in jazz, dance, and military bands. They are made in several ranges, from soprano to bass.

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Other Word Forms

• saxophonic adjective
• saxophonist noun

Etymology

Origin of saxophone

1850–55; Sax ( saxhorn ) + -o- + -phone

Example Sentences

Berry uses a blend of instruments — including saxophones, synthesizers and sound bowls — to craft the otherworldly, moody score.

From Los Angeles Times

He played saxophone and would later train to do comedy working in the Catskills and at Camp Tamiment in the Poconos.

From The Wall Street Journal

The host also shared photos of them as children, including one of Escobedo playing the saxophone and Kimmel playing the clarinet.

From Los Angeles Times

Titled as “Tagi,” it featured Mr. Lloyd reciting excerpts from the “Bhagavad Gita” before picking up his saxophone for a glowing rendition of his theme.

From The Wall Street Journal

For his part, the younger Clemons started playing saxophone the summer before he entered sixth grade and was playing professionally on the local circuit by age 14.

From Salon