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

The band’s music, performed on flutes, saxophones, keyboard and percussion is elegant, earthy, and multidimensional, combining jazz, Asian, R&B, and many different styles from around the globe. —Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025

Sleigh bells, make way for the saxophones. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025

The world premiere live performance of Ari Aster’s 2018 debut feature, with an original score by composer Colin Stetson, performed live, in full to picture by 40 members of the Wordless Music Orchestra and the composer himself on saxophone. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2025

Bill Clinton brought his saxophone and sunglasses to Arsenio Hall. —NBC news, 30 Nov. 2025

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