What does saxophone mean?
A saxophone is a single-reed wind instrument whose sound is produced by a vibrating reed attached to a mouthpiece. It has a metal body, usually a curved shape, and keys that open and close its tone holes. The instrument is especially associated with jazz but is also important in classical music, rock, funk, and other forms of popular music. Its flexible tone allows musicians to produce both mellow and powerful passages, and different sizes, including soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone, have distinct ranges and characters. In conversation, "sax" is widely used as the familiar name for the saxophone, while "saxophonist" identifies the player. The word also names the instrument in phrases such as "play the saxophone" and "saxophone player."
nounA wind instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece, a curved metal tube, and keys that control the tone holes. The saxophone is used in jazz, classical music, rock, and popular music.
- A single-reed woodwind instrument with a conical metal body and a curved neck, used in jazz, classical, rock, and popular music.
"She played the saxophone in a jazz ensemble during the concert."
"His saxophone was propped beside him as he began the evening's performance."
"The orchestra's principal saxophone player joined the ensemble for the final movement."
The usual plural is "saxophones"; "saxes" is also common, especially in musical contexts.
"The shop sells used saxophones and offers lessons for beginners."
The saxophone is unusual among orchestral instruments because it was invented in the 19th century yet quickly became a defining voice of 20th-century jazz.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of saxophone
The word saxophone was coined in the 19th century for the instrument invented by the Belgian maker Adolphe Sax. Its name combines "Sax," the inventor's surname, with the Greek-derived suffix "-phone," meaning sound or voice. The related names saxhorn and saxotromba also refer to instruments associated with Sax's designs and naming conventions.
Related word forms
How saxophone is actually used
In informal usage, "sax" is a common shortened form. The instrument most often refers to the saxophone family as a whole unless a specific type, such as alto or tenor saxophone, is specified.
Easily confused with saxophone
A saxophone is the instrument itself, while a saxophonist is the person who plays it.