tuba

noun

tu·​ba ˈtü-bə 

ˈtyü-

: a large low-pitched brass instrument usually oval in shape and having a conical tube, a cup-shaped mouthpiece, and a usual range an octave lower than that of the euphonium

tubaist

ˈtü-bə(-i)st 

ˈtyü-

noun

or tubist

ˈtü-bist 

ˈtyü-

Illustration of tuba

Examples of tuba in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

San Franciscans had fun with it, marking historic firsts: The San Francisco Chronicle recorded the first person to walk across the bridge on stilts, pushing a stroller, on roller skates, on a unicycle and while playing a tuba. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Jan. 2025

Dropping a tuba to twerk, split and run back in formation. —Ariana Triggs, The Tennessean, 14 Feb. 2024

At the corner of St. Peter and Royal Streets, a tuba begins its rumbling and a trombone squeals; the instruments sparkle in the sunlight, glinting gold amid a gathering crowd. —Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2024

Born in 1938, Flowers became a musician in the Royal Air Force during the 1950s, playing tuba and taking up double bass as a secondary instrument. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin, trumpet

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tuba

noun

tu·​ba ˈt(y)ü-bə 

: a brass musical instrument of lowest pitch with an oval shape and valves for producing different tones