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.
Only a genius as idiosyncratic as Steve Martin could have banjo-playing on his resumé. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 The band includes long-time musicians Michael Williams (guitar and vocals), Peter Sharpe (mandolin and vocals), Lenny Bole (banjo and dobro), and Given Harrison (bass and vocals). Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025 Backed by an excellent band complete with a banjo and a fiddle, along with a lighting and effects rig that made the big moments really pop, Shaboozey strolled through his new material while building up to the marquee moment. Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 2025 Giddens sang and accompanied herself on banjo. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 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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