banjo

1 of 2

noun (1)

ban·​jo ˈban-(ˌ)jō 

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

ˈban-ˌjō-ist 

noun

Illustration of banjo

banjoist

2 of 2

noun (2)

ban·​jo·​ist ˈban-ˌjō-ist 

plural -s

: a banjo player

Examples of banjo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

However, in the four years since Show Me the Body’s last album, the banjo-slinging frontman’s perspective has changed dramatically. — Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026

Playing the banjo, the guitar and some mandolin as well as singing tenor vocals, Manion became the leader and chief humorist of the band. — Arkansas Online, 11 July 2026

Meteorologist Leonard Hussey had excellent scientific credentials and could play the banjo. — Ed Brzychcy, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

The band, in this case, contributes a banjo ukulele, an organ, and a pedal steel guitar, among other things, to get that country feeling just right. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

probably of African origin; akin to Kimbundu mbanza, a similar instrument

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1708, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing banjo

• banjo clock

Rhymes for banjo

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• barbeau
• bateau

Kids Definition

banjo

noun

ban·​jo ˈban-jō 

plural banjos also banjoes

: a musical instrument with a round body like a drum, a long fretted neck, and four or five strings

banjoist

-ˌjō-ist 

noun