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banjo

noun

ban·​jo ˈban-(ˌ)jō How to pronounce banjo (audio)
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 noun

Illustration of banjo

Illustration of banjo

Examples of banjo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Oldest sibling Danielle plays mandolin, James plays banjo and resonator guitar, his twin, Mark, plays guitar and Michael plays fiddle. Jenelyn Russo, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025 Garcia himself was a bluegrass banjo player. Brian Halligan, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025 The pair were joined by four musicians who accompanied them on guitar, cello, drums, banjo, and cuatro. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2025 Kelley’s warm, conversational singing style is astutely complemented by warm guitar, banjo and mandolin. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for banjo

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of banjo was in 1708

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Banjo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banjo. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

banjo

noun
ban·​jo ˈban-jō How to pronounce banjo (audio)
plural banjos also banjoes
: a musical instrument with a round body like a drum, a long fretted neck, and four or five strings
banjoist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on banjo

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