wind instrument

noun

: a musical instrument (such as a trumpet, clarinet, or organ) sounded by wind
especially : one sounded by the player's breath

Examples of wind instrument 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.
Picturesque wind instruments suddenly burst forth as if a flock of birds were flying over the pyramids. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 The band is always looking for new wind instrument and percussion players. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2026 An animal horn – typically a ram’s horn – used as a wind instrument, the shofar is featured over 70 times in the Torah. — Sarah Pessin, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2025 One of these wind instruments has turned up in remarkable condition in England, one of only three such objects known in Britain and one of the most complete found in Europe to date. — Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wind instrument

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wind instrument was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

winding-up
wind instrument
windjam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wind instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20instrument. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wind instrument

noun
: a musical instrument (as a flute or horn) sounded by the vibration of a stream of air and especially by the player's breath

More from Merriam-Webster on wind instrument

Nglish: Translation of wind instrument for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wind instrument

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