bon·go
ˈbäŋ-(ˌ)gō 
ˈbȯŋ-
plural bongos also bongoes
: one of a pair of small connected drums of different sizes and pitches played with the hands
plural bongo or bongos
: an African antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus) that is chestnut red with narrow white vertical stripes and is found in forests from Sierra Leone to Kenya
Examples of bongo in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
The Air Force is also seeking out 31 other vehicles, including sedans and bongo trucks, to similarly likely use as missile targets.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2025
Melancholic nylon guitars, murmuring bongos, and the distant cry of a trumpet create a vibe that sounds timeless — the magic is undeniable.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 1 Aug. 2025
The distinctive sound is formed from guitars, bongos, bass and the güira – a percussion instrument also used in merengue music – and accompanied by typically romantic or bittersweet lyrics.
—Wilfredo José Burgos Matos, The Conversation, 25 July 2025
Using those suggestions, the city incorporated enhanced accessibility for all children and expanded sensory play options with bongos and chimes.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
Brando acted with an ice-bucket on his head, imitated the Queen of England in his line readings and performed bongos at the wrap party while wearing a muumuu.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
This small bongos set contains two drums, ideal for beginners and kids.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
Eastern bongos are born weighing about 43 pounds but can reach roughly 900 pounds as adults.
—Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
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Noun
The crowd then went absolutely bongos when newcomer Micah Parsons notched his first sack as a Packer in the closing minute.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
The Air Force is also seeking out 31 other vehicles, including sedans and bongo trucks, to similarly likely use as missile targets.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2025
Melancholic nylon guitars, murmuring bongos, and the distant cry of a trumpet create a vibe that sounds timeless — the magic is undeniable.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 1 Aug. 2025
The distinctive sound is formed from guitars, bongos, bass and the güira – a percussion instrument also used in merengue music – and accompanied by typically romantic or bittersweet lyrics.
—Wilfredo José Burgos Matos, The Conversation, 25 July 2025
Using those suggestions, the city incorporated enhanced accessibility for all children and expanded sensory play options with bongos and chimes.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
Brando acted with an ice-bucket on his head, imitated the Queen of England in his line readings and performed bongos at the wrap party while wearing a muumuu.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
This small bongos set contains two drums, ideal for beginners and kids.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
Eastern bongos are born weighing about 43 pounds but can reach roughly 900 pounds as adults.
—Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bongo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bongo. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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