flute

1 of 2

noun

1
b
: a keyed woodwind instrument consisting of a cylindrical tube which is stopped at one end and which has a side hole over which air is blown to produce the tone and having a range from middle C upward for three octaves
2
: something long and slender: such as
a
: a tall slender wineglass
b
: a grooved pleat (as on a hat brim)
3
: a rounded groove
specifically : one of the vertical parallel grooves on a classical architectural column
flutelike adjective
fluty adjective
or flutey

Illustration of flute

Illustration of flute
  • flute 1b

flute

2 of 2

verb

fluted; fluting

intransitive verb

1
: to play a flute
2
: to produce a flutelike sound

transitive verb

1
: to utter with a flutelike sound
2
: to form flutes in
fluter noun

Did you know?

This is a woodwind instrument whose sound is produced by blowing against a sharp edge. Flutes may be end-blown, like the recorder, or may have a round shape, like the ocarina; however, the term usually refers to the transverse flute of Western music. The transverse flute, a tubular instrument held sideways to the right, appeared in Greece and Italy by the second century ce. By the 16th century, flutes with finger holes but no keys were in use in Europe. Keys began to be added in the late 17th century. Later 19th-century innovations resulted in the modern flute. The cylindrical tube may be made of wood or, more often, a precious metal or alloy. The flute family also includes the piccolo, the alto flute, and the rare bass flute.

Examples of flute in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Although the tall, slim, and elegant shape is appealing, that Champagne flute isn’t doing your spectacular sparkling wine any favors. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2025 My wish is that anyone who invests their time with me, which is our most precious commodity, will come away with their heart just a bit more open and perhaps even a different view of the power of music and specifically what the flute can do. Debbi Kickham, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
Generously coat a 12-cup fluted Bundt pan with baking spray. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025 Inside, highlights include a living room anchored by a curving white oak and fluted limestone fireplace and glass doors spilling outside, as well as a formal dining space. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flute

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English floute, from Anglo-French floute, fleute, from Old French flaüte, probably of imitative origin

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flute was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Flute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flute. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

flute

1 of 2 noun
1
: a woodwind instrument played by blowing across a hole near the closed end
2
: a rounded groove
especially : one on an architectural column
flutelike adjective

flute

2 of 2 verb
fluted; fluting
1
: to play a flute
2
: to make a sound like that of a flute
3
: to form flutes in
fluted columns

More from Merriam-Webster on flute

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