clarinet

noun

clar·​i·​net ˌkler-ə-ˈnet 

ˌkla-rə-;

ˈkler-ə-nət, 

ˈkla-rə-

: a single-reed woodwind instrument having a cylindrical tube with a moderately flared bell and a usual range from D below middle C upward for 3½ octaves

clarinetist noun

or clarinettist

ˌkler-ə-ˈne-tist 

ˌkla-rə-

Illustration of clarinet

Examples of clarinet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Primarily a clarinet player, Samuel eagerly learned the bass clarinet and performs as a soloist with last year’s symphony orchestra. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

The ever-present tuba, trumpets, clarinets, snare drums and, of course, the tambora drum adorn each of the 10 songs produced by Jesús Tirado. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026

Every song, both new and old, was captured in one take (sometimes to the bemusement of his singers), with sparse arrangements for piano, choir, and clarinet. —Matthew Blackwell, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026

In 1984, Peplowski joined clarinet legend Benny Goodman’s last band as a tenor saxophonist and remained in the group until the bandleader's death in 1986. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French clarinette, probably ultimately from Medieval Latin clarion-, clario

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clarinet

• alphabet
• arpanet
• bayonet
• biuret
• cigarette
• coronet
• coverlet
• dataset
• epithet
• ethernet
• heavyset
• internet

Kids Definition

clarinet

noun

clar·​i·​net ˌklar-ə-ˈnet 

ˈklar-ə-nət

: a woodwind musical instrument in the shape of a cylindrical tube having a single-reed mouthpiece

clarinetist noun

or clarinettist

ˌklar-ə-ˈnet-əst