clarinet

noun

clar·​i·​net ˌkler-ə-ˈnet How to pronounce clarinet (audio)
ˌkla-rə-;
ˈkler-ə-nət,
ˈkla-rə-
: 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
clarinetist noun
or clarinettist

Illustration of clarinet

Illustration of clarinet

Examples of clarinet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Composers Josh Schmidt and Marius de Vries set the tone with a springy overture awash with strings and clarinets, and the rest of the score holds fast to that sense of denial. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2024 After being named principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, for example, Stephen Williamson joined that orchestra for its 2013/14 season before returning to the CSO. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2024 Maryland Winds musicians, who play bassoon, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, piano, harp and more, will regularly visit Posner’s classes to work with students. Lizzy Alspach, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2024 Michael Bridge, accordion; Kornel Wolak, clarinet; Ensemble Ibérica with Grayson Masefield, accordion. Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 19 July 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

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clarinet was in 1733

Dictionary Entries Near clarinet

Cite this Entry

“Clarinet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clarinet. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

clarinet

noun
clar·​i·​net ˌklar-ə-ˈnet How to pronounce clarinet (audio)
ˈklar-ə-nət
: a woodwind musical instrument in the shape of a cylindrical tube having a single-reed mouthpiece
clarinetist noun
or clarinettist

More from Merriam-Webster on clarinet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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