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

At 17, Martin taught himself to play banjo, which later became part of his stand-up comedy shtick. —Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024

Martin also is a gifted banjo player with an appreciation for bluegrass music, which would be helpful for outreach to Southern states. —Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 6 Aug. 2024

The best part is the music, which alternates between country banjo and a Gershwin-like motif, to reflect the two characters. 71. —Jeremy Fassler, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2024

Munde has been a leader in bluegrass music for more than five decades, through work as a banjo player, bandleader and educator. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 17 July 2024

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

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