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

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

The Tangent members are Steven Palacio, bassoon; James Blanchard, flute; Tamara Winston, oboe; Alec Manasse, clarinet; and Cort Roberts, horn. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025

The nueva trova artist will be joined on tour by Emilio Vega (vibraphone), Jorge Aragón and Malva Rodríguez (piano), Niurka González (flute and clarinet), Jorge Reyes (double bass), Rachid López (guitar), Maykel Elizarde (tres guitar) and Oliver Valdés (drums), according to Cuba Noticias 360. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 11 Apr. 2025

The school also has smaller chamber groups including bass ensemble, flute ensemble and clarinet choir. —Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 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