banjo

noun

ban·​jo ˈban-(ˌ)jō How to pronounce banjo (audio)
plural banjos also banjoes
: a musical instrument with a drumlike body, a fretted neck, and usually four or five strings which may be plucked or strummed
banjoist noun

Illustration of banjo

Illustration of banjo

Examples of banjo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So far, Casalinuovo’s banjo catfish have been found at four sites in the Bermejo River basin of northwestern Argentina, near the borders with Bolivia and Chile. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025 Expect to see Wild West performances on and off the train, like a tussle between the Cataract Creek Gang and the town Marshall on the departure platform, a robbery from rowdy cowboys on horseback who hop aboard the train, and banjo players serenading guests with western tunes. Nicole Edenedo, AFAR Media, 26 Aug. 2025 Even the group’s name references the street address of lead singer and banjo player Eddie Isola’s childhood home in Maitland. Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025 People set up their folding chairs in front of the outdoor stage and watch musicians compete on banjo, dobro, dulcimer, guitar and auto-harp. Frank Langfitt, NPR, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for banjo

Word History

Etymology

probably of African origin; akin to Kimbundu mbanza, a similar instrument

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of banjo was in 1708

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Banjo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banjo. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

banjo

noun
ban·​jo ˈban-jō How to pronounce banjo (audio)
plural banjos also banjoes
: a musical instrument with a round body like a drum, a long fretted neck, and four or five strings
banjoist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on banjo

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