trombone

noun

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

Examples of trombone 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.
Salsa itself, which bears Cuban roots but was further developed by Puerto Ricans in New York City, is also in part sustained by dancers who revel in the trombones and bongos that nourish the popular tunes. Solcyré Burga, TIME, 14 Jan. 2025 Trumpeter Lee Loughnane and trombone player James Pankow also are in the lineup. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 13 Jan. 2025 David not only excels musically on the trombone but also brings a collaborative and positive spirit that inspires the entire group. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 22 Dec. 2024 This time, the only music Joker will be dancing to is a sad trombone. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trombone 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1724, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trombone was circa 1724

Dictionary Entries Near trombone

Cite this Entry

“Trombone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trombone. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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 noun
Etymology

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

More from Merriam-Webster on trombone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!