kazoo

1 of 2

noun (1)

ka·​zoo kə-ˈzü How to pronounce kazoo (audio)
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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
While improved from before, the engine note can be a little buzzy and kazoo-like. Dave Vanderwerp, Car and Driver, 10 Mar. 2023 On a trip to the island of South Georgia in 2011, the seabird approached the nature photographer and writer, threw its head back and released a sound that Bergman describes as a kazoo. Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2021 Is that an actual violin, a synthesizer that sounds like a violin, a sample of a synthesizer that sounds like a violin, or a raccoon playing a kazoo that has been digitally manipulated to sound like a violin? Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 9 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kazoo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

imitative

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1884, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kazoo was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near kazoo

Cite this Entry

“Kazoo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kazoo. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on kazoo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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