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 students repeated the section with rattling intensity and splintered overblown notes from the saxophones. —Corinna Da Fonseca-Wollheim, New York Times, 1 May 2025

New portable instruments, such as the saxophone, were invented as well. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 24 Apr. 2025

And treating the audience to his own solo at the end, Guillaume Perret showed off his creative use of pedals and effects to expand the saxophone's sonic capabilities. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Martin pointed out several such pieces: Ornithology Soundscape, created by Willie Cole, inspired by the sounds of Charlie Parker, is a sea of birds made from alto saxophones. —Courtney Lane, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 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