bon·go
ˈbäŋ-(ˌ)gō 
ˈbȯŋ-
plural bongos also bongoes
: one of a pair of small connected drums of different sizes and pitches played with the hands
plural bongo or bongos
: an African antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus) that is chestnut red with narrow white vertical stripes and is found in forests from Sierra Leone to Kenya
Examples of bongo in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
Brando acted with an ice-bucket on his head, imitated the Queen of England in his line readings and performed bongos at the wrap party while wearing a muumuu.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
Eastern bongos are a species of antelope native to the mountainous forests of Kenya.
—Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
Containing none of the harshness its title might indicate, the track is laden with bongos, strings and bird calls, altogether falling squarely into the deep, vibey and contemplative realm where so much Booka Shade music has existed for more than 20 years now.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 21 Mar. 2025
This small bongos set contains two drums, ideal for beginners and kids.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
Eastern bongos are born weighing about 43 pounds but can reach roughly 900 pounds as adults.
—Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
The zoo welcomed its baby bongo after his mama, Cayenne, gave birth for the first time.
—Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
The performers manipulate five batteries of drums, including timpani, snares, congas, bongos, tom-toms, and bass drums.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
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Noun
Using those suggestions, the city incorporated enhanced accessibility for all children and expanded sensory play options with bongos and chimes.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
Brando acted with an ice-bucket on his head, imitated the Queen of England in his line readings and performed bongos at the wrap party while wearing a muumuu.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
Eastern bongos are a species of antelope native to the mountainous forests of Kenya.
—Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
Containing none of the harshness its title might indicate, the track is laden with bongos, strings and bird calls, altogether falling squarely into the deep, vibey and contemplative realm where so much Booka Shade music has existed for more than 20 years now.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 21 Mar. 2025
This small bongos set contains two drums, ideal for beginners and kids.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
Eastern bongos are born weighing about 43 pounds but can reach roughly 900 pounds as adults.
—Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
The zoo welcomed its baby bongo after his mama, Cayenne, gave birth for the first time.
—Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
The performers manipulate five batteries of drums, including timpani, snares, congas, bongos, tom-toms, and bass drums.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bongo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bongo. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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