# clarinet

/ˌkɫɛɹəˈnɛt/ (US) · /klˌæɹənˈɛt/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clarinet
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a musical instrument that looks like a long black tube. You play it by blowing into a mouthpiece and pressing keys with your fingers.

For teachers: a woodwind instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece, a cylindrical tube, and a flared bell. Typically made of African blackwood or plastic, it features a series of holes and keys to control pitch.

## Examples

- She plays the clarinet in the school band.
- The orchestra's lead clarinet player performed a beautiful solo during the second movement of the symphony.
- While the clarinet is a staple of the modern wind ensemble, its unique timbre also made it a foundational instrument in early jazz and swing music.

## Usage notes

- Takes the definite article 'the' when referring to the instrument as a general skill or role.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.