trombone

noun

trom·​bone träm-ˈbōn 

(ˌ)trəm-ˈbōn,

ˈträm-ˌbōn

: a brass instrument consisting of a long cylindrical metal tube with two turns and having a movable slide or valves for varying the tone and a usual range one octave lower than that of the trumpet

trombonist

träm-ˈbō-nist 

(ˌ)trəm-ˈbō-

ˈträm-ˌbō-

noun

Illustration of trombone

Examples of trombone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The police-procedural aspect enhances the grim nature of the stalk-and-slash murders, and the strange weapon choices (like the infamous trombone) really elevate the creep factor. —Meagan Navarro, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

Over the years guests have reported spotting the ghost of Marilyn Monroe in the mirror in her old suite as well as hearing the faint sound of a trombone, reportedly being played by the ghost of actor Montgomery Clift. —Brooke Bobb, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2024

Honoring Eddie Palmieri at 9:30 p.m. on October 17, featuring Conrad Herwig, trombone; Zaccai Curtis, piano; Luques Curtis, bass; and Camilo Molina, drums. —Jane Levere, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

For a time, the film plays like the extended womp-womp of a sad trombone at the end of a disaster movie, in which seven characters make it while the rest of the world perishes. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 1 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, augmentative of tromba trumpet, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German trumba, trumpa trumpet

First Known Use

circa 1724, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

trombone

noun

trom·​bone träm-ˈbōn 

(ˌ)trəm-

: a brass wind instrument with a section that can slide in and out to make different tones

trombonist

-ˈbō-nəst 

noun

Etymology

from Italian trombone, literally "large trumpet," from tromba "trumpet"