saxophone

noun

sax·​o·​phone ˈsak-sə-ˌfōn How to pronounce saxophone (audio)
: one of a group of single-reed woodwind instruments usually ranging from soprano to bass and characterized by a conical metal tube and finger keys
saxophonic
ˌsak-sə-ˈfō-nik How to pronounce saxophone (audio)
-ˈfä-
adjective
saxophonist
ˈsak-sə-ˌfō-nist How to pronounce saxophone (audio)
especially British sak-ˈsä-fə-
noun

Illustration of saxophone

Illustration of saxophone

Examples of saxophone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Although Adolph Sax invented the saxophone in the mid-1800s as a classical instrument, most people associate it with jazz. — Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 Post-Beatles when all the saxophone solos suddenly became guitar solos. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026 The project offers more of those syrupy melodics, with Shimmy’s distinct, saxophone-like vocals guiding listeners through a romantic landscape. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 The saxophone line in the film became a foreboding signal to viewers that something bad was about to happen. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for saxophone

Word History

Etymology

French, from Antoine-Joseph (or Adolphe) Sax †1894 Belgian instrument maker + French -phone

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of saxophone was in 1851

Rhymes for saxophone

See All Rhymes for saxophone

Browse Nearby Words

saxony green
saxophone
saxophonist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saxophone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saxophone. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

saxophone

noun
sax·​o·​phone ˈsak-sə-ˌfōn How to pronounce saxophone (audio)
: a musical instrument of the woodwind class consisting of a usually curved metal tube with finger keys and a reed mouthpiece
saxophonist
-ˌfō-nəst How to pronounce saxophone (audio)
noun
Etymology

named for Antoine "Adolph" Sax 1814–1894 a Belgian maker of musical instruments

More from Merriam-Webster on saxophone

Nglish: Translation of saxophone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about saxophone

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