Main Entry: ban·jo

Pronunciation: \ˈban-(ˌ)jō\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural banjos also banjoes

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

Date: 1739

: a musical instrument with a drumlike body, a fretted neck, and usually four or five strings which may be plucked or strummed

— ban·jo·ist \-ˌjō-ist\ noun

[banjo illustration]