kazoo

1 of 2

noun (1)

ka·​zoo kə-ˈzü 

plural kazoos

: an instrument that imparts a buzzing quality to the human voice and that usually consists of a small metal or plastic tube with a side hole covered by a thin membrane

kazoo

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural kazoos

slang

: wazoo

Examples of kazoo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

His crooked nose honked like a kazoo. — Will MacKin, New Yorker, 28 June 2026

So, too, did all of his department heads on their own fiefdoms and the oddball band Tune-Yards on the score, a cacophony of circus oompahs, mouth harps and kazoos. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026

The curious birds, known for their bobbing walks and kazoo-like calls, have drawn a crowd to Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan since arriving in late March. — ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026

The conservatory cannot accept pianos, organs, kazoos, recorders, hand drums, cajons, frame drums, congas or bongos this year. — Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

imitative

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1882, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kazoo

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

kazoo

noun

ka·​zoo

kə-ˈzü

plural kazoos

: a toy musical instrument containing a membrane which produces a buzzing tone when one hums into the mouth hole