banjo

noun

ban·​jo ˈban-(ˌ)jō How to pronounce banjo (audio)
plural banjos also banjoes
: a musical instrument with a drumlike body, a fretted neck, and usually four or five strings which may be plucked or strummed
banjoist noun

Illustration of banjo

Illustration of banjo

Examples of banjo 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.
Museum-goers have the ability to explore a little bit of everything, from the history of the banjo to the history behind one of the most difficult times in Oklahoma City's history. Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026 The balcony shook as fans erupted at the sound of a banjo being strummed, dancing and shouting along to the 2023 hit. Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026 Whether playing banjo, guitar or the percussion instrument known as bones, Flemons is a walking encyclopedia of pre-war African-American string-band styles, blues, country and Black cowboy folk songs whose performances are wonderfully down-to-earth. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 Rufe Davis played Floyd Smoot, the banjo-playing handyman at the Shady Rest Hotel. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for banjo

Word History

Etymology

probably of African origin; akin to Kimbundu mbanza, a similar instrument

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of banjo was in 1708

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Banjo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banjo. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

banjo

noun
ban·​jo ˈban-jō How to pronounce banjo (audio)
plural banjos also banjoes
: a musical instrument with a round body like a drum, a long fretted neck, and four or five strings
banjoist noun

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