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

Two people are on saxophone and another two on trombone, plus three more on bass, four on cello, and nearly a dozen violinists. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026

John Coltrane is another influential figure in the history of jazz, known for his pioneering innovations on the saxophone, notably his ability to create a complex, rapid-fire approach to chord progressions. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Sade’s early hits are part of why the saxophone is synonymous with ’80s pop music. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 30 June 2026

This time, Russell’s cello would be accompanied by organ, tenor saxophone, trombone, guitar, and, crucially and unusually, a drummer and two percussionists. — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 27 June 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