clarinet

noun

clar·​i·​net ˌkler-ə-ˈnet How to pronounce clarinet (audio)
ˌkla-rə-;
ˈkler-ə-nət,
ˈkla-rə-
: a single-reed woodwind instrument having a cylindrical tube with a moderately flared bell and a usual range from D below middle C upward for 3¹/₂ octaves
clarinetist noun
or clarinettist

Illustration of clarinet

Illustration of clarinet

Examples of clarinet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Anat Cohen Tentet: Despite juggling at least half a dozen working projects, Israeli clarinet and tenor saxophone star Anat Cohen has managed to keep her orchestral 10-piece ensemble supplied with an array of exhilarating material. Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 Karpman is nominated for her score for Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction, a jazz soundtrack that comes alive with the use of multiple pianos and saxophones, as well as clarinets, trumpets, bass, drums and a string orchestra. Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2024 When houses of worship were closed during the pandemic, Rabbi Harlow spent hours with his clarinet, his wife said. Ari L. Goldman, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2024 Yarl plays bass clarinet and was named second chair in the all-state band, according to the post. Antonio Planas, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2024 Her father, who was born in Puerto Rico, played the clarinet and saxophone with the U.S. Navy Band and the Harry James Orchestra. Robert D. McFadden, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2024 The band used flutes, clarinets and trumpets to play the songs’ melodies. Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2024 The 17-year-old was named as second chair for bass clarinet and will perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association annual conference in January at Lake of the Ozarks reservoir in Missouri, according to a post by North Kansas City Schools. Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2024 The 17-year-old, who plays bass clarinet, was named second chair in the band and is one of only four students in the area to earn the prestigious honor, according to a post by Missouri’s North Kansas City Schools. Melissa Noel, Essence, 11 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clarinet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French clarinette, probably ultimately from Medieval Latin clarion-, clario

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clarinet was in 1733

Dictionary Entries Near clarinet

Cite this Entry

“Clarinet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clarinet. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

clarinet

noun
clar·​i·​net ˌklar-ə-ˈnet How to pronounce clarinet (audio)
ˈklar-ə-nət
: a woodwind musical instrument in the shape of a cylindrical tube having a single-reed mouthpiece
clarinetist noun
or clarinettist

More from Merriam-Webster on clarinet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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