woodwind

[wood-wind]

noun

1. a musical wind instrument of the group comprising the flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, and occasionally, the saxophones.

2. woodwinds, the section of an orchestra or band comprising the woodwind instruments.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or composed of woodwinds.

woodwind

/ ˈwʊdˌwɪnd /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or denoting a type of wind instrument, excluding the brass instruments, formerly made of wood but now often made of metal, such as the flute or clarinet

noun

1. (functioning as plural) woodwind instruments collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of woodwind¹

First recorded in 1875–80; wood ¹ + wind ³

Example Sentences

His hymnal theme begins as a gentle woodwind duet, which is passed to strings and then accelerates into soaring triumph to accompany Bryant’s heyday.

From Los Angeles Times

Many attendees said they could relate to Navran’s presentation about finding her own sound after years of singing and playing woodwind instruments, then finally taking the deep dive into music production years later.

From Los Angeles Times

A 12-piece band of brass, woodwind and percussion instruments provided a musical backdrop in the church patio.

From Los Angeles Times

Simon’s band members for this stint — a dozen or so strong, spanning percussion, woodwinds and guitars — were mostly impressionists during this portion, adding distant bells and chamber flourishes to the patina of these songs.

From Los Angeles Times

The nine ensembles included a large mixed band that he headed, along with ensembles of strings, brass, woodwinds and choruses.

From Los Angeles Times