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

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

Bird Jam has a Cadillac hubcap and nitrogen tank as its body, with wings attached to a miniature banjo. —Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024

However, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts, Ed Norton ended up stepping in as replacement — and there are pictures of him strumming a banjo to prove it. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2024

At 17, Martin taught himself to play banjo, which later became part of his stand-up comedy shtick. —Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 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