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

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

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

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