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 2016, John Heliwell, who plays saxophone and clarinet for Supertramp, agreed to play on a TPT song. — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 9 Oct. 2026

Her live band, which was composed of a drummer, keyboardist, bassist and guitar, trumpet and saxophone players, borrowed from those sounds, making the songs more playful than the studio versions. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026

The second set features Bill Hardman on trumpet, Julian Priester on trombone, Billy Harper on tenor saxophone, Ronnie Mathews on piano and Lawrence Evans on bass. — Chris Willman, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026

The night transitioned to the after-party complete with a DJ and live saxophone player. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for saxophone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

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