Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus
1

cornet

noun cor·net \ kȯr-ˈnet , British usually ˈkȯ-nit \

Definition of cornet

1 : a valved brass instrument resembling a trumpet in design and range but having a shorter partly conical tube and less brilliant tone
2 : something shaped like a cone: such as
a : a piece of paper twisted for use as a container
b : a cone-shaped pastry shell that is often filled with whipped cream
c British : an ice-cream cone
—

cornetist

or cornettist play \kȯr-ˈne-tist, British usually ˈkȯ-ni-tist\ noun

Did You Know?

Like the trumpet, the cornet is a brass instrument with three valves, but its bore is somewhat more conical. Its range parallels that of the trumpet. It evolved in the 1820s, and its agility made it a very popular solo instrument. It often displaced the trumpet in 19th-century orchestras, and it preceded the trumpet in modern dance and jazz bands. Recent developments have made the two instruments very similar, and the cornet's popularity has waned considerably as a result.

Origin and Etymology of cornet

Middle English, from Middle French, from diminutive of corn horn, from Latin cornu

2

cornet

noun

Definition of cornet

1 : the standard of a cavalry troop
2 a : the onetime fifth grade of commissioned officer in a British cavalry troop who carried the standard
b : the onetime lowest commissioned rank in the U.S. cavalry

Origin and Etymology of cornet

Middle French cornette woman's headdress with a lappet, pennon, standard, from diminutive of corn

CORNET Defined for Kids

cornet

noun cor·net \ kȯr-ˈnet \

Definition of cornet for Students

: a brass musical instrument similar to but shorter than a trumpet

Learn More about cornet

  1. See words that rhyme with cornet Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cornet Spanish Central: Translation of cornet Nglish: Translation of cornet for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cornet for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cornet

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up cornet? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

volatile

play

subject to rapid or unexpected change

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. hogwash 'nonsense, balderdash'

  2. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  3. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  4. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  5. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

cornet

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens-painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games