musette

noun

mu·​sette myu̇-ˈzet How to pronounce musette (audio)
1
: a bellows-blown bagpipe popular in France in the 17th and 18th centuries
2
: a small knapsack
also : a similar bag with one shoulder strap

called also musette bag

Examples of musette 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.
The trio performs swing tunes and sambas, boleros and musettes along with original compositions. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, diminutive of muse bagpipe, from muser to muse, play the bagpipe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Musette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/musette. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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