# Hammond

/ˈhæmənd/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. musical instrument

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a famous brand of electric organ often used in jazz, blues, and rock music.

For teachers: a specific brand of electric organ, particularly the B-3 model, characterized by its use of additive synthesis and a rotating speaker.

- The band's sound was defined by the warm, swirling tones of the Hammond.
- The session keyboardist insisted on using a vintage Hammond to achieve the authentic gospel-inflected growl required for the track.

Usage: Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the instrument type.

## Examples

- The band's sound is defined by the warm growl of the Hammond.
- The studio session required a vintage Hammond to capture the authentic soul sound of the late sixties.
- While digital synthesizers can approximate the harmonics, many purists insist that the mechanical imperfections of a genuine Hammond remain essential for a truly resonant jazz performance.

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