: a single-reed woodwind instrument having a cylindrical tube with a moderately flared bell and a usual range from D below middle C upward for 3¹/₂ octaves
Recent Examples on the WebThe moment the clarinet introduces the klezmer theme, everybody knows exactly what Mahler’s trying to say.—Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2024 The performance will feature the Atlantic Reed Consort, an ensemble made up of a bass clarinet, bassoon, clarinet, oboe and saxophone, as well as sopranos Colleen Daly and Laura Strickling.—Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 15 May 2024 There was big yellow music paper that would be on the piano, and down the left side would go trumpets, clarinets, trombones, violins.—Chris Willman, Variety, 20 May 2024 Then there’s an extraordinary musician called Rory Hoffman, who plays many different instruments — clarinet, slide guitar, accordion.—Chris Willman, Variety, 6 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for clarinet
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clarinet.' 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
French clarinette, probably ultimately from Medieval Latin clarion-, clario
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