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]