banjo

noun

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

Examples of banjo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The hour captures Strings and his four-piece acoustic band — mandolin, upright bass, banjo and fiddle — in classic picking session formation, with a setlist that also includes selections from 2021’s Renewal. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026

From late May through early September, weekly music jams with fiddles and banjos celebrate the area’s musical heritage. — Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

In 2023, the comedian, actor, writer, and banjo virtuoso Steve Martin was walking through SoHo, followed closely by two men holding a laptop. — David Owen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

The song features Alison Brown on banjo, Becky Buller on fiddle, Sierra Hull on mandolin, Missy Raines on bass and Molly Tuttle on guitar. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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