trombone

noun

trom·​bone träm-ˈbōn How to pronounce trombone (audio)
(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 How to pronounce trombone (audio)
(ˌ)trəm-ˈbō-
ˈträm-ˌbō-
noun

Illustration of trombone

Illustration of trombone

Examples of trombone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Streaks of trombone hung over busy bass and claps of percussion as Heyward ramped up the tempo and intensity. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 16 June 2024 The band is led by musical director Dionne Hendricks on piano and includes Greg Bufford (drums), Gregory Jones (upright bass), Bobby LaVell (reeds), Patrick Adams (trumpet), and Dennis Wilson (trombone). Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 31 May 2024 And there was a trombone player that my dad worked with named Joe Howard. Chris Willman, Variety, 20 May 2024 Today, Kizer teaches French horn and still takes orchestra jobs; Stewart teaches trombone and performs with the St. Louis Symphony. Sammy Sussman, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trombone 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trombone.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of trombone was circa 1724

Dictionary Entries Near trombone

Cite this Entry

“Trombone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trombone. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

trombone

noun
trom·​bone träm-ˈbōn How to pronounce trombone (audio)
(ˌ)trəm-
: a brass wind instrument with a section that can slide in and out to make different tones
trombonist noun
Etymology

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

More from Merriam-Webster on trombone

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