xylophone

noun

xy·​lo·​phone ˈzī-lə-ˌfōn 

 also  ˈzi-

: a percussion instrument consisting of a series of wooden bars graduated in length to produce the musical scale, supported on belts of straw or felt, and sounded by striking with two small wooden hammers

xylophonist

ˈzī-lə-ˌfō-nist 

 also  ˈzi-

noun

Illustration of xylophone

Examples of xylophone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Held at the Salle Pleyel, which hosts splashy awards shows such as the César awards, Hermès celebrated its pole position with an opening xylophone performer, followed by an eclectic series of films sprinkled throughout the presentation. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025

Instruments like ukuleles and xylophones escaped elementary schools and invaded YouTube. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 20 Aug. 2024

To represent the spirits’ return, men dress in masks and plant-fiber costumes and dance through the streets accompanied by drums and xylophones. —Matt Ralphs, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024

Lowing strings and luminous horns were punctuated by brisk xylophones. —Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for xylophone

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

Kids Definition

xylophone

noun

xy·​lo·​phone ˈzī-lə-ˌfōn 

: a musical instrument consisting of a series of wooden bars varying in length and sounded by striking with two wooden hammers

xylophonist

-ˌfō-nəst 

noun

Etymology

from Greek xylo- "wood, of wood" (from xylon "wood") and English -phone "sound, a sound-producing device"