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

Between the bossa nova, saxophone and unhurried rhythms, the album feels like a beach day in sound. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026

Granduciel is backed on the recording by longtime War on Drugs bandmates Dave Hartley (bass), Robbie Bennett (keyboards), Anthony LaMarca (drums, guitar), Jon Natchez (organ, saxophone) and Eliza Hardy-Jones (vocals). — Spin Staff, SPIN, 9 Sep. 2026

The scenery is beautiful, though the onboard entertainment leans into classic all-inclusive territory, complete with a digital saxophone performance, audience participation, and the inevitable Macarena throw down. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026

The experience reminded him of his saxophone-playing days as a teenager. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 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