trombone

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

trombonist

2 of 2

noun (2)

trom·​bon·​ist -nə̇st How to pronounce trombonist (audio)
plural -s
: a player on the trombone

Examples of trombone in a Sentence

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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.
Noun
Trumpets blare when Edwin Díaz emerges from the bullpen, but these days, a sad trombone might be more fitting. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026 In additon to the piano, Anderson also plays trombone and is a trombone section leader for the Homewood-Flossmoor High School Marching Vikings. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 Sax, flute and trombone add a highlife aura while Perry’s voice reveals the effects of 7,000 blunts. — Dave Segal, SPIN, 24 July 2026 Two people are on saxophone and another two on trombone, plus three more on bass, four on cello, and nearly a dozen violinists. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trombone

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1724, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trombone was circa 1724

Rhymes for trombone

See All Rhymes for trombone

Browse Nearby Words

Trombidoidea
trombone
trombone-action
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Cite this Entry

“Trombone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trombone. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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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
-ˈbō-nəst How to pronounce trombone (audio)
noun
Etymology

Noun

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

More from Merriam-Webster on trombone

Nglish: Translation of trombone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trombone

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