saxophone

noun

sax·​o·​phone ˈsak-sə-ˌfōn 

: one of a group of single-reed woodwind instruments usually ranging from soprano to bass and characterized by a conical metal tube and finger keys

saxophonic

ˌsak-sə-ˈfō-nik 

-ˈfä-

adjective

saxophonist

ˈsak-sə-ˌfō-nist 

 especially British  sak-ˈsä-fə-

noun

Illustration of saxophone

Examples of saxophone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pérez’s saxophone player was killed in the incident, according to Paulino. —Griselda Flores, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025

The movie's famous final scene sees Hackman's character playing the saxophone after his paranoia has led him to destroy his entire apartment to see if it was bugged. —Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025

Along with the sousaphone and the steel drum, the saxophone is one of only a few acoustic instruments invented over the past two centuries to have enjoyed any sort of broad popularity, at least in Western music. —Matthew Sherrill, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025

Each opening act huddled together at center stage with Mars Volta cramming drums, percussion, saxophone, guitar, bass, keys and two vocalists in an intimate circle that gave its set a theater-centric vibe. —Courtney Devores, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Antoine-Joseph (or Adolphe) Sax †1894 Belgian instrument maker + French -phone

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for saxophone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

saxophone

noun

sax·​o·​phone ˈsak-sə-ˌfōn 

: a musical instrument of the woodwind class consisting of a usually curved metal tube with finger keys and a reed mouthpiece

saxophonist

-ˌfō-nəst 

noun

Etymology

named for Antoine "Adolph" Sax 1814–1894 a Belgian maker of musical instruments