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

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

In a promotional video for the brand, Sunday Rose mimed playing the flute as the sounds of woodwinds accompanied the video. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 12 Mar. 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