clarinet

noun

clar·​i·​net ˌkler-ə-ˈnet 

ˌkla-rə-;

ˈkler-ə-nət,

ˈkla-rə-

: a single-reed woodwind instrument having a cylindrical tube with a moderately flared bell and a usual range from D below middle C upward for 3¹/₂ octaves

clarinetist noun

or clarinettist

ˌkler-ə-ˈne-tist 

ˌkla-rə-

Illustration of clarinet

Examples of clarinet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The piece is marked by contrasts between the warm, enveloping sounds of the horns and the jagged tension expressed through sighing, sorrowful calls of the clarinet and ominous timpani rolls. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 July 2025

Shruthi enjoys biking, singing and playing the piano and clarinet, while Ryan spends time coding, playing sports and solving Rubik’s Cubes. —Sacbee.com, 27 May 2025

Bailey's clarinet skills go back to his childhood more than 30 years ago — in 1993, the same year Jurassic Park premiered — when his grandfather gave him his first version of the instrument. —Jen Juneau, People.com, 26 June 2025

The 14-year-old plays clarinet and tenor saxophone in her school band, loves Ultimate Frisbee and building Lego sets. —Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 28 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

French clarinette, probably ultimately from Medieval Latin clarion-, clario

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clarinet

• alphabet
• arpanet
• bayonet
• biuret
• cigarette
• coronet
• coverlet
• dataset
• epithet
• ethernet
• heavyset
• internet

Kids Definition

clarinet

noun

clar·​i·​net ˌklar-ə-ˈnet 

ˈklar-ə-nət

: a woodwind musical instrument in the shape of a cylindrical tube having a single-reed mouthpiece

clarinetist noun

or clarinettist

ˌklar-ə-ˈnet-əst