What does ocarina mean?
An ocarina is a small wind instrument with a rounded, vessel-like body and finger holes along its upper surface. The player blows into or over an opening while covering and uncovering the holes to produce notes. Ocarinas are commonly made of ceramic, though plastic and wooden versions also exist, and they are often used in educational activities, children’s music, folk traditions, and gentle instrumental accompaniment. Unlike a conventional transverse flute, the instrument is held in front of the player and usually played with both hands. Its name comes from its resemblance to a small pot or vessel. The ocarina is valued for its distinctive, soft tone and its portability, making it especially suitable for simple melodies and portable performances.
nounA small wind instrument, usually made of ceramic or plastic, shaped like an elongated sweet potato or a small vessel. It is played by blowing into or over an opening and covering holes with the fingers.
- A small vessel-shaped wind instrument, especially one made from ceramic and played by covering finger holes.
"She played a gentle melody on the ocarina during the ceremony."
"The teacher demonstrated how to play the ocarina to the children."
"A soft ocarina melody accompanied the procession through the village."
The standard plural is formed by adding -s.
"The shop sells handmade ceramic ocarinas in several sizes."
The ocarina takes its name from a small clay vessel, and its shape preserves the ancient idea of a flute shaped like a little pot.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ocarina come from?
The word entered English through Italian, from the Italian diminutive ocarina, itself derived from a Greek term for a small vessel or pot. The English spelling became established in the nineteenth century as the instrument grew in popularity. The Italian and Greek forms are related to other language-specific forms such as ocarine and okarina, reflecting the same name for the vessel-shaped flute and related wind instruments.
How ocarina is actually used
The word is most commonly used for the ceramic vessel-shaped flute, although modern instruments may also be made of plastic, wood, or other materials. It is generally associated with informal music, education, and traditional or folk performance.
Easily confused with ocarina
Ocarine is an alternative spelling of ocarina, especially in music references and historical descriptions.