# Cheng

/ˈtʃɛŋ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cheng
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. musical instrument

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a traditional Chinese musical instrument made of bamboo pipes that you blow into.

For teachers: a traditional Chinese free-reed wind instrument, typically constructed from bamboo pipes; an alternative spelling of 'sheng'.

- The musician played a beautiful melody on the cheng during the festival.
- The ensemble featured a cheng, whose distinct harmonic textures provided a traditional foundation for the modern composition.

Usage: Often spelled 'sheng' in modern Pinyin transliteration.

Teaching tip: This is a specialized term for a specific cultural object; most learners will only encounter it in the context of Chinese music history.

## Examples

- She wore a red cheng to the wedding.
- The diplomat chose a silk cheng for the state dinner to honor local traditions.
- The designer's collection blended modern tailoring with the elegant lines of the traditional cheng, creating a fusion of East and West.

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