hautbois

noun

haut·bois ˈ(h)ō-ˌbȯi

variants or hautboy

plural hautbois ˈ(h)ō-ˌbȯiz

or hautboys

: oboe

Word History

Etymology

Middle French hautbois, from haut high + bois wood

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of hautbois was in 1575

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hautbois.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hautbois. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

hautbois

noun

haut·bois

variants or hautboy

ˈ(h)ō-ˌbȯi

plural hautbois -ˌbȯiz

or hautboys

: oboe

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hautbois

noun

Word History

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