saxophone

noun

sax·​o·​phone ˈsak-sə-ˌfōn 

: one of a group of single-reed woodwind instruments usually ranging from soprano to bass and characterized by a conical metal tube and finger keys

saxophonic

ˌsak-sə-ˈfō-nik 

-ˈfä-

adjective

saxophonist

ˈsak-sə-ˌfō-nist 

especially British sak-ˈsä-fə-

noun

Illustration of saxophone

Examples of saxophone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the years, the exemptions have been taken to include candidates who appear on talk shows like The Tonight Show and The View, appearances that have become much more commonplace since Bill Clinton played the saxophone on The Arsenio Hall Show during the 1992 presidential campaign. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026

Among the instruments in use are violin, guitar, ukulele, sitar and saxophone. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2026

He’s flanked by a Kenny G-like saxophone player (Fred Armisen) and a lively backup dancer clad in a red tracksuit (Jason Sudeikis). —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026

Running back Dennis Gentry turned up on the video playing bass, running back Calvin Thomas played saxophone, lineman Stefan Humphries played drums, and third-string quarterback Mike Tomczak played guitar. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Antoine-Joseph (or Adolphe) Sax †1894 Belgian instrument maker + French -phone

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for saxophone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

saxophone

noun

sax·​o·​phone ˈsak-sə-ˌfōn 

: a musical instrument of the woodwind class consisting of a usually curved metal tube with finger keys and a reed mouthpiece

saxophonist

-ˌfō-nəst 

noun

Etymology

named for Antoine "Adolph" Sax 1814–1894 a Belgian maker of musical instruments