woodwind

[ wood-wind ]

noun

1. a musical wind instrument of the group comprising the flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, and occasionally, the saxophones.
2. woodwinds, the section of an orchestra or band comprising the woodwind instruments.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or composed of woodwinds.

woodwind

/ ˈwʊdˌwɪnd /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or denoting a type of wind instrument, excluding the brass instruments, formerly made of wood but now often made of metal, such as the flute or clarinet

noun

1. functioning as plural woodwind instruments collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of woodwind¹

First recorded in 1875–80; wood ¹ + wind ³

Example Sentences

All the classic Leigh traits are here, down to the gentle woodwind instruments which provide the score.

From BBC

In the often exquisite score, the strings throb and the woodwinds flutter.

From New York Times

The woodwinds handed off phrases with snappy coordination.

From New York Times

The Piano Concerto No. 25 was here fast and punchy, with fullness rather than finesse, and fizzy strings, bullish horns and swooning woodwinds.

From New York Times

Playing the piano or keyboard appeared to be particularly beneficial, while brass and woodwind instruments were good too.

From BBC