banjo

noun

ban·​jo ˈban-(ˌ)jō 

plural banjos also banjoes

: a musical instrument with a drumlike body, a fretted neck, and usually four or five strings which may be plucked or strummed

banjoist

ˈban-ˌjō-ist 

noun

Illustration of banjo

Examples of banjo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And he’s taken all that time not spent hating himself and used it to pursue other passions, like the banjo. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2024

As the band jammed through their set, fans danced to banjo, violin, acoustic guitar and pop drums, narrated by Dasha who gave personal anecdotes about what each song was about. —Matt Tighe, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024

Among the unique lineup of events being promised are a celebrity chef biscuit bake-off, free banjo lessons and square dances. —Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024

She's worked throughout her career to draw attention to the African origins of the banjo and the ways Black musicians shaped the country and folk genres. —Zachery Eanes, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably of African origin; akin to Kimbundu mbanza, a similar instrument

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing banjo

• banjo clock

Kids Definition

banjo

noun

ban·​jo ˈban-jō 

plural banjos also banjoes

: a musical instrument with a round body like a drum, a long fretted neck, and four or five strings

banjoist

-ˌjō-ist 

noun