flute

Everyday

1. A flute is a musical instrument shaped like a thin tube, played by blowing across a hole near one end and pressing keys or covering holes. tree →
2. A flute is a tall, thin glass, used for drinks. tree →

In the lessons

In music lessons the flute is a woodwind instrument, even though modern flutes are made of metal; pupils may play a recorder first. In science it shows how air vibrating in a tube makes sound. Phrases: «play the flute», «flute lessons», «a wooden flute».

Examples

• She plays the flute in the school band. tree →
• The flute makes a soft, high sound. tree →
• I have flute lessons on Thursdays. tree →
• The flute is a woodwind instrument. tree →
• A shorter tube makes a higher note on a flute. tree →
• The shepherd played a wooden flute. tree →
• Grown-ups clinked tall flutes of juice. tree →
• But Petru played on his flute, and the giant fell back again. tree →

Note

Countable: «play the flute» (use «the» with instruments). A person who plays it is a «flautist» (UK) or «flutist» (US). Trap: the metal flute is still a woodwind, because it is played by blowing across a hole.