trumpet

1 of 2

noun

trum·​pet ˈtrəm-pət 

1

a

: a wind instrument consisting of a conical or cylindrical usually metal tube, a cup-shaped mouthpiece, and a flared bell

specifically : a valved brass instrument having a cylindrical tube with two turns and a usual range from F sharp below middle C upward for 2½ octaves

b

: a musical instrument (such as a cornet) resembling a trumpet

2

: a trumpet player

3

: something that resembles a trumpet or its tonal quality: such as

a

: a funnel-shaped instrument (such as a megaphone) for collecting, directing, or intensifying sound

b(1)

: a stentorian voice

(2)

: a penetrating cry (as of an elephant)

trumpetlike

ˈtrəm-pət-ˌlīk 

adjective

Illustration of trumpet

• trumpet 1a

trumpet

2 of 2

verb

trumpeted; trumpeting; trumpets

intransitive verb

1

: to blow a trumpet

2

: to make a sound suggestive of that of a trumpet

transitive verb

: to sound or proclaim on or as if on a trumpet

trumpet the news

Synonyms of trumpet

Verb

• announce
• publish
• proclaim
• declare

Examples of trumpet in a Sentence

Noun

the trumpet of a flower

Verb

He likes to trumpet his own achievements.

The law was trumpeted as a solution to everything.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

According to an interview with The Daily Northwestern published in March 2025, his father is a classical trumpet player who influenced his early interest in music. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026

These giant, South American perennials take on a tree shape and are festooned in long, hanging, trumpet-shape blooms that release a wonderful perfume in late afternoon. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Verb

Nearly every children’s book in our house trumpeted the same anti-boredom propaganda. —Daniel Smith, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2026

Many companies pivoted away from trumpeting environmental policies as a result. —Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English trompette, from Anglo-French, from trumpe trump

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing trumpet

• blow one's own trumpet
• trumpet creeper
• trumpet flower
• trumpet honeysuckle
• trumpet vine

Rhymes for trumpet

• strumpet

Kids Definition

trumpet

1 of 2 noun

trum·​pet ˈtrəm-pət 

1

: a wind instrument consisting of a long cylindrical metal tube commonly once or twice curved and ending in a bell

2

: something shaped like a trumpet

3

: a sound like that of a trumpet

trumpet

2 of 2 verb

1

: to blow a trumpet

2

: to make a sound like that of a trumpet