: a simple wind instrument typically having an oval body with finger holes and a projecting mouthpiece

Illustration of ocarina

Illustration of ocarina

Examples of ocarina 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.
The guitar and ocarina join the orchestra — the Pacific Symphony, conducted by David LaMarche, replacing de la Parra, who couldn’t travel because of an ear infection. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2023 At Ta’ab Nuk Na, researchers also discovered a whistle in the shape of a woman called an ocarina. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Italian dialect, diminutive of oca goose, from Late Latin auca, ultimately from Latin avis bird — more at aviary

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ocarina was in 1877

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ocarina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ocarina. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

ocarina

noun
: a simple musical instrument usually having an oval body with finger holes and a projecting mouthpiece and producing soft flutelike tones

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