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 dynamic duo’s show is a mix of stand-up comedy, character sketches, video montages and bluegrass music (a la Steve Martin’s banjo-brilliant virtuosity and special guests Jeff Babko and Steep Canyon Rangers). — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

But Maguire and Strayer are felt as loudly as Maines across the record, through their gorgeous harmonies, but also fiddle and banjo and, sometimes, sitar and accordion. — Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026

Audrey Hobert is standing on a chair, wearing Groucho glasses and an enormous trench coat and faux-strumming a banjo. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

What happens when one of the biggest crossover hits of the 21st century gets handed to a couple of banjo virtuosos? — Spin Staff, SPIN, 8 Oct. 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