What does xylophone mean?
A xylophone is a percussion instrument made from a series of tuned wooden bars arranged from low to high pitch. Each bar is struck with a small hammer or mallet, producing clear, resonant notes that can sound delicate, bright, or playful. Xylophones are used in orchestras, bands, classroom instruction, and many kinds of popular and traditional music, where their tone may provide a sparkling counterpoint or a distinctive rhythmic accent. The word comes from Greek roots meaning “wood” and “voice” or “sound,” accurately reflecting both the instrument’s construction and its musical character. Although it resembles a marimba, a xylophone generally has a narrower and higher register. The term can also refer figuratively to the characteristic sound of the instrument, but it remains most commonly used for the instrument itself.
nounA musical instrument consisting of a series of tuned wooden bars arranged in order of pitch and struck with small hammers or mallets to produce notes. It is a percussion instrument.
- A musical instrument made of a graduated series of tuned wooden bars that are struck to produce notes.
"The musician played a gentle melody on the xylophone as the children entered the classroom."
"She practiced scales on the xylophone before the recital."
"The xylophone provided a bright, rippling accompaniment to the orchestra."
Used when referring to multiple xylophones or to xylophones belonging to different people, groups, or places.
"The two xylophones were positioned behind the drummer."
The name literally means “wood voice”: Greek xylon means “wood,” and phōnē means “sound” or “voice.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does xylophone come from?
The word was formed in English from Greek xylon, meaning “wood,” and phōnē, meaning “sound” or “voice.” The compound follows the naming pattern of Greek-derived musical terms and literally describes an instrument that produces sound through wood. Related English words such as xylem and xylophagous also use the wood-forming root xylo-.
Related word forms
How xylophone is actually used
The term is neutral and standard in general English, appearing in classical, educational, and popular-music contexts. It usually names the instrument rather than its player.
Easily confused with xylophone
A xylophone has tuned wooden bars played with mallets, while a marimba is a related percussion instrument whose bars are often accompanied by resonating tubes and which generally has a lower, broader range.