clarinet

noun

clar·​i·​net ˌkler-ə-ˈnet 

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

ˌkler-ə-ˈne-tist 

ˌkla-rə-

Illustration of clarinet

Examples of clarinet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His intimate home concerts also inspired him to take up the clarinet several years ago, an experience that deepened his appreciation for the skill, discipline, and emotion that music requires. —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2025

John Bruce Yeh, sitting principal clarinet for this program, brought a folky charm to the opening woodwind layers, and strings readily shapeshifted to meet Rouvali’s demands, from the wolfy, growling, low-register lines in the first movement to an ultra-legato melody opening the second. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025

Photo: Russ Ross Photography for Corcoran Goode played clarinet, composed, and launched groups including an Indonesian Gamelan orchestra. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 22 May 2025

Despite flirtations with being a professional clarinet player, dabbling in multiple majors at UCF and an early park gig selling fish food, Polk today is executive vice president and general manager of Epic Universe, the first theme park to open in Orlando in a generation. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clarinet

• alphabet
• arpanet
• bayonet
• biuret
• cigarette
• coronet
• coverlet
• dataset
• epithet
• ethernet
• heavyset
• internet

Kids Definition

clarinet

noun

clar·​i·​net ˌklar-ə-ˈnet 

ˈklar-ə-nət

: a woodwind musical instrument in the shape of a cylindrical tube having a single-reed mouthpiece

clarinetist noun

or clarinettist

ˌklar-ə-ˈnet-əst