pitch pipe

noun

: a small reed pipe or flue pipe producing one or more tones to establish the pitch in singing or in tuning an instrument

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Then the woman pulls out a pitch pipe and blows a note. Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2022 One member blew a single note on a pitch pipe, and with that one note, the chorus launched into four-part harmony singing Christmas classics. Carson Gerber, The Seattle Times, 24 Dec. 2017

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

Word History

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pitch pipe was in 1685

Dictionary Entries Near pitch pipe

Cite this Entry

“Pitch pipe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitch%20pipe. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

pitch pipe

noun
: a small pipe blown to establish the pitch in singing or in tuning an instrument
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