clarinet

Everyday

(music) A woodwind instrument shaped like a long black tube with keys and a single reed in the mouthpiece; it makes a smooth, warm sound. tree →

In the lessons

In music lessons pupils learn the families of instruments: the clarinet is in the woodwind family with the flute, oboe and bassoon. Many children learn it in school bands and orchestras, and it is used in jazz and classical music. Phrases: «play the clarinet», «clarinet lessons», «clarinet player» (clarinettist).

Examples

• My sister plays the clarinet in the school band. tree →
• The clarinet has a single reed that vibrates. tree →
• I have my clarinet lesson on Tuesdays. tree →
• In "Peter and the Wolf", the clarinet plays the cat. tree →
• Clarinets are made of wood or plastic. tree →
• He practised his clarinet scales every evening. tree →
• A clarinet player is called a clarinettist. tree →

Note

Countable: a clarinet, clarinets. Say «klar-uh-NET». Even though some clarinets are plastic, it belongs to the woodwind family. Person: clarinettist (UK) or clarinetist (US). We say «play the clarinet» with «the».