woodwind

noun

wood·wind | \ ˈwu̇d-ˌwind

Definition of woodwind

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

Its procession of march rhythms, dark woodwind colorings and angular piano interjections has a cinematic quality that suggests Price’s early work as an organist for silent films. — Brian Wise, WSJ, "Florence Price in Concert and on Disc: A Harvest of Rediscovery," 5 Dec. 2018 There are lovely compositional touches: the quartet-like writing for strings early in the first piece; the wistful woodwinds of the pastoral second; the catchy, accented rhythms and expansive string themes of the Tchaikovsky-like third piece. — Barbara Jepson, WSJ, "Uncertain Tempo," 31 Dec. 2018 The orchestra plays with extremes to create tension, setting high, twittering woodwinds against groaning brass. — Heidi Waleson, WSJ, "‘Marnie’ Review: A Thief’s Secrets," 22 Oct. 2018 The most exciting—and entirely novel—aspect of the festival was the Teatro Nuovo Orchestra: a large period-instrument ensemble made up of natural brasses, early woodwinds, and gut-strung string instruments. — Heidi Waleson, WSJ, "‘The Dawn of Romantic Opera’ Review: Subtle, Playful Performances," 31 July 2018 And the orchestral score, with particular emphasis on floaty woodwinds, choral arrangements, and thundering drums, preserves the fantasy-battling tone of a good Dota 2 session while also dialing back on drama or bombast. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Exclusive: Valve walks us through Artifact’s new demo, leaves us wanting more," 31 Aug. 2018 With a small ensemble backing him (no brass, just three woodwinds), Conte took obvious joy in filling in the orchestral voids. — Peter Dobrin, Philly.com, "Wanamaker organist Conte brings thrilling color to mostly drab Philadelphia Orchestra program," 6 May 2018 Scored for choir, percussion, piano, guitar, bass guitar, and woodwinds, it can be thought of as a loose-knit meditation on Bernstein’s peculiar work of spiritual theater music. — Peter Dobrin, Philly.com, "At the Mann this summer: Leonard Bernstein, Harry Potter, the Philadelphia Eagles, and what orchestras are becoming," 24 May 2018 The Wildcat Band has about 65 players on woodwinds, brass and percussion. — Laura Groch, sandiegouniontribune.com, "North County School News, May 10," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'woodwind.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.