bagpipe

noun

bag·​pipe ˈbag-ˌpīp 

: a wind instrument consisting of a reed melody pipe and from one to five drones with air supplied continuously either by a bag with valve-stopped mouth tube or by bellows

—often used in plural

bagpiper

ˈbag-ˌpī-pər 

noun

Illustration of bagpipe

Did you know?

This is a wind instrument that consists of two or more single- or double-reed pipes. The reeds are vibrated by wind caused by arm pressure on a skin or cloth bag. The pipes are held in wooden sockets tied into the bag, which is inflated either by the mouth or by bellows strapped to the body. Melodies are played on the finger holes of the melody pipe, or chanter, while the remaining pipes, or drones, sound single notes. Bagpipes existed by c. 100 ce. The early bag was an animal bladder or a nearly whole sheepskin or goatskin. Bagpipes have always been folk instruments. An important related instrument is the Irish union (or uilleann) pipes.

Examples of bagpipe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There will be a raising of a fire engine ladder to the sixth floor, accompanied by FDNY bagpipes. —Christina Ray Stanton, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026

Men, horses and even cattle moved through South Boston’s hills in the morning wind as residents watched from stoops — some in pajamas and wrapped in blankets, appearing to have been awakened by the sound of drums and bagpipes. —ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026

Decades of growing Irish patriotism resulted in Irish Aid societies and annual parades of bagpipes and drums. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026

The parade marched down Market Street with bagpipe players, traditional Irish dancers and colorful floats celebrating Irish heritage. —Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bagpipe

• blowpipe
• standpipe
• stovepipe
• subtype
• tailpipe
• unripe
• windpipe
• allotype
• antitype
• archetype
• biotype
• collotype

Kids Definition

bagpipe

noun

bag·​pipe ˈbag-ˌpīp 

: a musical instrument played especially in Scotland that consists of a bag for air, a mouth tube for blowing up the air bag, and pipes which give a sound when air passes through them

—often used in plural

bagpiper

-ˌpī-pər 

noun