saxophone

noun

sax·​o·​phone ˈsak-sə-ˌfōn 

: one of a group of single-reed woodwind instruments usually ranging from soprano to bass and characterized by a conical metal tube and finger keys

saxophonic

ˌsak-sə-ˈfō-nik 

-ˈfä-

adjective

saxophonist

ˈsak-sə-ˌfō-nist 

 especially British  sak-ˈsä-fə-

noun

Illustration of saxophone

Examples of saxophone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a group, the saxophone takes plays the lyrical part of the song. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024

Vernon debuted the song in a similar arrangement back in 2022 in Scotland, with saxophone in place of viola, and has played it live five times since. —Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2024

Helping bring the album to life are musicians including Black Midi drummer Morgan Simpson and tenor saxophone phenom Nubya Garcia. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 6 Sep. 2024

Its repetitive, fast pace melody powered by hard-hitting drums and sultry saxophone melodies, has become a 2024 party anthem. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Antoine-Joseph (or Adolphe) Sax †1894 Belgian instrument maker + French -phone

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

saxophone

noun

sax·​o·​phone ˈsak-sə-ˌfōn 

: a musical instrument of the woodwind class consisting of a usually curved metal tube with finger keys and a reed mouthpiece

saxophonist

-ˌfō-nəst 

noun

Etymology

named for Antoine "Adolph" Sax 1814–1894 a Belgian maker of musical instruments