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 album marks a shift from the band's previous pop sound, incorporating intricate string and woodwind arrangements. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Horns, woodwinds, and percussion are particularly gorgeous, with a lyrical, sometimes flinty brilliance that always steers clear of sharpness. —Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 10 June 2025

Your pianist, drummer, bassist, guitarist, maybe a lead trombone, lead woodwind, lead trumpet. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

The band seeks musicians on woodwind, brass and other instruments, with a good attitude, sense of humor, and desire to play together in a creative way. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing woodwind

• woodwind section

Rhymes for woodwind

• chagrined
• crosswind
• downwind
• rescind
• upwind
• whirlwind
• finned
• ginned
• grinned
• pinned
• sinned
• skinned

Kids 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