trombone

noun

trom·​bone träm-ˈbōn 

(ˌ)trəm-ˈbōn, 

ˈträm-ˌbōn

: a brass instrument consisting of a long cylindrical metal tube with two turns and having a movable slide or valves for varying the tone and a usual range one octave lower than that of the trumpet

trombonist

träm-ˈbō-nist 

(ˌ)trəm-ˈbō-, 

ˈträm-ˌbō-

noun

Illustration of trombone

Examples of trombone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One is by the CSO’s own Tim Higgins, recently tenured as the orchestra’s principal trombone. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

Since several of the pieces on the program are heavily focused on the band’s trombone section, Conductor Mitch Fennell has invited Alex Iles to perform as a soloist for four of them. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

With its riveting trombone and smashing rhythms, the music exhilarated. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 27 Feb. 2026

Born April 28, 1950 in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City, Colón learned to play trumpet and trombone from a young age, signing to Fania Records at age 15. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, augmentative of tromba trumpet, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German trumba, trumpa trumpet

First Known Use

circa 1724, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trombone

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

trombone

noun

trom·​bone träm-ˈbōn 

(ˌ)trəm-

: a brass wind instrument with a section that can slide in and out to make different tones

trombonist

-ˈbō-nəst 

noun

Etymology

from Italian trombone, literally "large trumpet," from tromba "trumpet"