tuba

noun

tu·​ba ˈtü-bə How to pronounce tuba (audio)
ˈtyü-
: a large low-pitched brass instrument usually oval in shape and having a conical tube, a cup-shaped mouthpiece, and a usual range an octave lower than that of the euphonium
tubaist noun
or tubist
ˈtü-bist How to pronounce tuba (audio)
ˈtyü-

Illustration of tuba

Illustration of tuba

Examples of tuba in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Born in 1938, Flowers became a musician in the Royal Air Force during the 1950s, playing tuba and taking up double bass as a secondary instrument. Jem Aswad, Variety, 8 Sep. 2024 John Philip Pseudo My tuba is too heavy, and my outfit is too hot. Alexandra Petri, Washington Post, 2 July 2024 Guests arriving at Hollywood’s nya Studios West for YouTube’s second Leaders and Legends gala were greeted by a lively five-piece band (including a tuba) in homage to the brothers’ New Orleans roots. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 28 June 2024 Patti LuPone: After starring in concert performances in 2000 at the New York Philharmonic and 2001 at the San Francisco Symphony, the three-time Tony winner played the tuba while headlining the intimate and edgy 2005 Broadway revival. Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tuba 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tuba.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin, trumpet

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tuba was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near tuba

Cite this Entry

“Tuba.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tuba. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

tuba

noun
tu·​ba ˈt(y)ü-bə How to pronounce tuba (audio)
: a brass musical instrument of lowest pitch with an oval shape and valves for producing different tones

More from Merriam-Webster on tuba

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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