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.
Onstage was guitarist Dave Bruzza and Michael Bont on banjo, who were jamming under the name Greensky Bluegrass. Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2025 She was classically trained on the piano starting at age 4 and plays over 20 other instruments, including the mountain dulcimer, banjo, folk harp and balalaika, according to her bio. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025 Together, the group’s Graham Sharp (banjo), Aaron Burdett (guitar), Barrett Smith (bass), Mike Guggino (mandolin), Mike Ashworth (drums) and Nicky Sanders (fiddle), turn in a sharply clear-eyed observation, wrapped in a party-ready musical foil. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025 The Casa Bonita Quintet, as they’re called on the face of the kick drum, consists of forest animals playing piano and strumming a banjo and other instruments. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 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 10 Nov. 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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