woodwind
noun
wood·wind
ˈwu̇d-ˌwind 
1
: any of a group of wind instruments (such as a clarinet, flute, oboe, or saxophone) that are characterized by a cylindrical or conical tube of wood or metal usually ending in a slightly flared bell, that produce tones by the vibration of one or two reeds in the mouthpiece or by the passing of air over a mouth hole, and that usually have finger holes or keys by which the player may produce all the tones within an instrument's range
2
woodwinds plural
: the woodwind section of a band or orchestra
Examples of woodwind in a Sentence
He plays all the woodwind instruments very well.
Recent Examples on the Web
The most delicate strokes came from the woodwinds — the musical representation of the woman’s guilt — and French horns, whose dynamic control gave the tableau three-dimensional depth.
—
Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
On special evenings, string and woodwind players among the family’s Salzburg friends would assemble at the house for chamber music.
—David Denby, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
In the clip, Sunday Rose mimed playing the flute as the sounds of woodwinds accompanied the video.
—Kayla Grant, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
John Bruce Yeh, sitting principal clarinet for this program, brought a folky charm to the opening woodwind layers, and strings readily shapeshifted to meet Rouvali’s demands, from the wolfy, growling, low-register lines in the first movement to an ultra-legato melody opening the second.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
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Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
On special evenings, string and woodwind players among the family’s Salzburg friends would assemble at the house for chamber music.
—David Denby, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
In the clip, Sunday Rose mimed playing the flute as the sounds of woodwinds accompanied the video.
—Kayla Grant, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
John Bruce Yeh, sitting principal clarinet for this program, brought a folky charm to the opening woodwind layers, and strings readily shapeshifted to meet Rouvali’s demands, from the wolfy, growling, low-register lines in the first movement to an ultra-legato melody opening the second.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for woodwind
Cite this Entry
“Woodwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/woodwind. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
woodwind
noun
wood·wind
ˈwu̇d-ˌwind
1
: one of a group of musical instruments including flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, and sometimes saxophones compare brass instrument, percussion instrument, stringed instrument
2
plural
: the woodwind instruments of a band or orchestra
woodwind
adjective
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