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 3½ 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

Both works, with aptly tangy orchestrations, got splendid performances, with particularly fine solos from principals Alexander Kerr (violin), Gregory Raden (clarinet) and James Romeo (piccolo). —Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026

Rodriguez plays saxophone and clarinet. —Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026

Primarily a clarinet player, Samuel eagerly learned the bass clarinet and performs as a soloist with last year’s symphony orchestra. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

The ever-present tuba, trumpets, clarinets, snare drums and, of course, the tambora drum adorn each of the 10 songs produced by Jesús Tirado. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026

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