euphonium

noun

eu·​pho·​ni·​um yü-ˈfō-nē-əm How to pronounce euphonium (audio)
: a brass instrument smaller than but resembling a tuba and having a range from B flat below the bass staff upward for three octaves

Illustration of euphonium

Illustration of euphonium

Examples of euphonium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sadly, the star of this episode was not Molly, her euphonium, or even her lips. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025 Control subjects responded to the Bond theme no differently than the euphonium, but the stroke victim's brain had a much stronger response to the theme song. — Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 2 Aug. 2013 The euphonium, a tenor tuba, shifts among moods solemn, restless, agitated, triumphant and reflective. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026 During the show, Moore asked tuba player Patrick Zerse to stand up and describe his instrument, a rare double-bell euphonium produced in Grand Rapids in the early 20th century. — Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 18 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for euphonium

Word History

Etymology

Greek euphōnos + English -ium (as in harmonium)

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of euphonium was in 1865

Rhymes for euphonium

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Browse Nearby Words

euphonious
euphonium
euphonize
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Cite this Entry

“Euphonium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euphonium. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

euphonium

noun
eu·​pho·​ni·​um yu̇-ˈfō-nē-əm How to pronounce euphonium (audio)
: a brass musical instrument resembling a tuba but playing in a higher pitch range

More from Merriam-Webster on euphonium

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about euphonium

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