bagpipe

noun

bag·​pipe ˈbag-ˌpīp 

: a wind instrument consisting of a reed melody pipe and from one to five drones with air supplied continuously either by a bag with valve-stopped mouth tube or by bellows

—often used in plural

bagpiper

ˈbag-ˌpī-pər 

noun

Illustration of bagpipe

Did you know?

This is a wind instrument that consists of two or more single- or double-reed pipes. The reeds are vibrated by wind caused by arm pressure on a skin or cloth bag. The pipes are held in wooden sockets tied into the bag, which is inflated either by the mouth or by bellows strapped to the body. Melodies are played on the finger holes of the melody pipe, or chanter, while the remaining pipes, or drones, sound single notes. Bagpipes existed by c. 100 ce. The early bag was an animal bladder or a nearly whole sheepskin or goatskin. Bagpipes have always been folk instruments. An important related instrument is the Irish union (or uilleann) pipes.

Examples of bagpipe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

March 1 41st annual SE FL Scottish Festival & Highland Games, bagpipe bands, Scottish folk and rock music, heavy athletics, Scottish dancing, children’s games, living history, Scottish food, drink and merchandise. —Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025

Maybe a rolling-credits song or a bagpipe solo to play us out. —Steffi Cao, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2025

Expect a tent, live music, bagpipes, Irish dancers, and face painting for the kids. —Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025

To honor its heritage, Alexandria celebrates with an annual mile-long parade that has multiple Scottish clans giving bagpipe and drum performances alongside their terriers and hounds. —Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bagpipe

noun

bag·​pipe ˈbag-ˌpīp 

: a musical instrument played especially in Scotland that consists of a bag for air, a mouth tube for blowing up the air bag, and pipes which give a sound when air passes through them

—often used in plural

bagpiper

-ˌpī-pər 

noun