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 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.
Fraser Smith Quartet, Archer Street Paul Allen/ Andfotography2 Fraser Smith’s tenor saxophone playing pays homage to the greats while offering a modern twist, while his vocal stylings channel the smooth tones of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Pascoal performed masterfully on keyboards, saxophones, bass clarinet, accordion and an array of other instruments. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025 Yates led with Pat McCrory and Meg Mills on guitar, Franz Lyons on bass, Daniel Fang on drums, Tobias Moody on saxophone, Theljon Allen on trumpet, and Troy Long on piano. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025 The festival invites anyone with a trumpet, saxophone, baritone, flute, violin or trombone to play. Lulu Jaeckel, Twin Cities, 10 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saxophone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saxophone. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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 noun
Etymology

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

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