# trumpet

/ˈtɹəmpət/ (US) · /tɹˈʌmpɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trumpet
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. musical instrument

noun · CEFR A2

a metal musical instrument that you blow into to make a loud, bright sound.

For teachers: a brass instrument with a flared bell and three valves, typically pitched in B-flat.

- He practiced the trumpet every afternoon until he could play the high notes clearly.
- The lead trumpet performed a brilliant solo that soared above the rest of the jazz ensemble during the final movement.

### 2. animal sound

noun · CEFR B1

the loud, powerful cry made by an elephant.

For teachers: the characteristic loud, resonant vocalisation produced by an elephant through its trunk.

- We heard the loud trumpet of an elephant coming from the trees.
- The sudden trumpet of the matriarch echoed through the valley, signalling the herd to move toward the watering hole.

### 3. to announce proudly

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to tell everyone about something in a very proud or loud way.

For teachers: to proclaim or announce something loudly and insistently, often to celebrate an achievement.

- The company began to trumpet its success as soon as the sales figures were released.
- The administration continued to trumpet the new policy as a landmark achievement, despite growing criticism from independent economists.

### 4. to make a loud sound

verb · CEFR B2

to make a loud cry like an elephant or a loud noise like a horn.

For teachers: to emit a loud, resonant sound resembling that of a trumpet; used of animals or mechanical objects.

- The elephants trumpeted loudly when they reached the river.
- The old steam whistle trumpeted a final warning before the ship pulled away from the dock.

## Examples

- He plays the trumpet in the school band.
- The jazz musician closed his eyes and played a long, high note on his trumpet.
- While the orchestra tuned their instruments, the lead trumpet player practiced a difficult solo that required precise finger work and strong breath control.

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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.