embouchure

noun

em·​bou·​chure ˈäm-bü-ˌshu̇r How to pronounce embouchure (audio)
ˌäm-bü-ˈshu̇r
1
: the position and use of the lips, tongue, and teeth in playing a wind instrument
2
: the mouthpiece of a musical instrument

Examples of embouchure 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.
Nearly 200 muscles, from the respiratory system to the embouchure, must work seamlessly together. Paul Keegan, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2024 Furthermore, Armstrong’s all-encompassing embouchure also included his forehead and eyelids. Nr Editors, National Review, 6 Feb. 2020 Varying its pitch relies on the player’s embouchure – the employment of lips, facial muscles, tongue and teeth. George Castle, chicagotribune.com, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

French, from (s')emboucher to flow into, from en- + bouche mouth — more at debouch

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embouchure was in 1760

Dictionary Entries Near embouchure

Cite this Entry

“Embouchure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embouchure. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

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