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

Sade’s early hits are part of why the saxophone is synonymous with ’80s pop music. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 30 June 2026

My concept for playing the guitar came from the alto saxophone, trumpet and keyboard. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

Greenspan played the clarinet and saxophone and briefly attended the Juilliard School. — Marty Steinberg, CNBC, 22 June 2026

Two people are on saxophone and another two on trombone, plus three more on bass, four on cello, and nearly a dozen violinists. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 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