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piccolo

adjective
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pic·​co·​lo | \ ˈpi-kə-ˌlō How to pronounce piccolo (audio) \

Definition of piccolo

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: smaller than ordinary size a piccolo banjo

piccolo

noun
plural piccolos

Definition of piccolo (Entry 2 of 2)

: a small shrill flute whose range is an octave higher than that of an ordinary flute

Illustration of piccolo

Illustration of piccolo

Noun

In the meaning defined above

Other Words from piccolo Example Sentences Learn More about piccolo

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Other Words from piccolo

Noun

piccoloist \ ˈpi-​kə-​ˌlō-​ist How to pronounce piccoloist (audio) \ noun

Examples of piccolo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Lizzo also played piccolo for the University of Houston marching band, which now features prominently in her music. — Houston Chronicle, "THE MUST LIST: Lizzo, The Raconteurs," 3 Oct. 2019 For 18-year-old freshman and piccolo player Eboni Singletary, performing in that parade is just the cherry on the cake. — Elizabeth Nonemaker, baltimoresun.com, "Behind the scenes as Morgan State’s Magnificent Marching Machine prepares for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade," 22 Nov. 2019 Band instruments range from $700 for the smaller ones — such as oboes and piccolos — to $7,000 for larger instruments such as tubas and sousaphones, Hart said. — Martin E. Comas, orlandosentinel.com, "East Ridge High band officials say show will go on despite fire," 11 Sep. 2019 Namely, his ability to perform with equal skill on alto, soprano and baritone saxophones, oboe, flute, piccolo, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon and English horn. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "11 things to do in San Diego this weekend: Blues festival, ‘Kiss My Aztec!,’ Brian Wilson and The Zombies," 6 Sep. 2019 But there was no question where the musical energy was coming from, the piccolo lines setting the terms of discussion for motifs the orchestra would embrace. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "CSO review: Orchestra's soloists step into the spotlight," 14 June 2019 The third movement lacked the ultimate in screeching piccolo and whooping horns. — Alan Artner, chicagotribune.com, "In the heat, Moser, Grant Park Orchestra perform a delicate Dvorak," 30 June 2018 Try the filter, piccolo latte, or cappuccino; non-coffee-drinkers, the hot chocolate or chai latte. — Lindsey Tramuta, Condé Nast Traveler, "22 Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Paris," 3 Mar. 2018 Oboes and bassoons sounded by themselves, a piccolo duet was accompanied by several violins playing pizzicato, and horns bellowed in their lowest register. — Christian Hertzog, sandiegouniontribune.com, "A rare, fiery performance of a Rebel ballet kicks off Mainly Mozart Festival," 10 June 2018

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

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First Known Use of piccolo

Adjective

1832, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1841, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for piccolo

Adjective

Italian, small

Noun

Italian, short for piccolo flauto small flute

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Time Traveler for piccolo

Time Traveler

The first known use of piccolo was in 1832

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Cite this Entry

“Piccolo.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piccolo. Accessed 22 January 2020.

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More Definitions for piccolo

piccolo

noun

English Language Learners Definition of piccolo

: a musical instrument that looks like a small flute and plays very high notes

See the full definition for piccolo in the English Language Learners Dictionary

piccolo

noun
pic·​co·​lo | \ ˈpi-kə-ˌlō How to pronounce piccolo (audio) \
plural piccolos

Kids Definition of piccolo

: a high-pitched instrument resembling a small flute

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More from Merriam-Webster on piccolo

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with piccolo

Spanish Central: Translation of piccolo

Nglish: Translation of piccolo for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about piccolo

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