embouchure

noun

em·​bou·​chure ˈäm-bü-ˌshu̇r 

ˌäm-bü-ˈshu̇r

1

: the position and use of the lips, tongue, and teeth in playing a wind instrument

2

: the mouthpiece of a musical instrument

Examples of embouchure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The performance features bespoke robotic violas, harp, piano and trumpet outfitted with custom end effectors, robotic embouchures and hand-cast silicone prosthetics that calculate and execute musical gestures. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 20 July 2026

My son swayed gently between my legs, still wearing last night’s jammies, azure eyes trained on the flutist’s quivering embouchure. — Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 30 Apr. 2025

Nearly 200 muscles, from the respiratory system to the embouchure, must work seamlessly together. — Paul Keegan, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2024

Furthermore, Armstrong’s all-encompassing embouchure also included his forehead and eyelids. — Nr Editors, National Review, 6 Feb. 2020

Varying its pitch relies on the player’s embouchure – the employment of lips, facial muscles, tongue and teeth. — George Castle, chicagotribune.com, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

French, from (s')emboucher to flow into, from en- + bouche mouth — more at debouch

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for embouchure

• annexure
• epicure
• immature
• paramour
• premature
• reassure
• reinsure
• sinecure
• abjure
• adjure
• allure
• assure