clarinet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; technical within musical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “clarinet” mean?
A woodwind musical instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece and a cylindrical body, typically made of wood or plastic, played by blowing air through the reed and covering holes to change pitch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woodwind musical instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece and a cylindrical body, typically made of wood or plastic, played by blowing air through the reed and covering holes to change pitch.
Metonymically, it can refer to the musician who plays the clarinet (e.g., 'the clarinet stands up for their solo'), or to the sound or music produced by the instrument. It also denotes a specific instrumental part in an ensemble.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Conjures classical music, jazz (especially New Orleans style), klezmer, and wind bands.
Frequency
Equal frequency. Common in musical, cultural, and educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “clarinet” in a Sentence
play [the] clarinetthe clarinet plays [a melody]for clarinet [and piano]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clarinet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She clarinetted beautifully in the school concert.
- The piece clarinets for several bars.
American English
- He's been clarineting since he was ten.
- This section clarinets the main theme.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare. Not standard.)
American English
- (Extremely rare. Not standard.)
adjective
British English
- The clarinet part is quite tricky.
- He has a very clarinet-like tone on the saxophone.
American English
- She's the principal clarinet voice in the band.
- The arrangement features a clarinet soloist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in music industry contexts (e.g., 'clarinet sales', 'manufacturer of clarinets').
Academic
Common in musicology, history of music, acoustics, and instrument pedagogy.
Everyday
Common when discussing hobbies, school bands, concerts, or describing sounds.
Technical
Specific in music theory (e.g., clarinet's chalumeau register), instrument repair, and orchestration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clarinet”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clarinet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clarinet”
- Incorrect article: 'He plays clarinet' (UK often omits 'the', US usually includes 'the' or 'a'). Misspelling: 'clarinette' (French influence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It has a moderate learning curve. Producing a clear tone initially can be challenging, but fingerings are logical. Mastery, as with any instrument, takes years.
The clarinet uses a single reed, has a cylindrical bore, and belongs to the woodwind family. The oboe uses a double reed, has a conical bore, and produces a more piercing, nasal tone.
Yes. The most common is the B♭ clarinet. Others include the A clarinet (common in orchestra), the E♭ soprano, and the bass clarinet. Players often switch between them.
Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A major, Copland's Clarinet Concerto, the opening of Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue', and Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring' (bass clarinet).
A woodwind musical instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece and a cylindrical body, typically made of wood or plastic, played by blowing air through the reed and covering holes to change pitch.
Clarinet is usually neutral to formal; technical within musical contexts. in register.
Clarinet: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklær.ɪˈnet/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkler.ɪˈnet/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Swing on the clarinet (jazz context)”
- “Clarinet's wail”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLARA who plays a NET of sweet notes. Clara + net = clarinet.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CLARINET IS A VOICE (it wails, sings, speaks). MUSIC IS LIQUID (the melody flowed from the clarinet).
Practice
Quiz
What is a typical characteristic of the clarinet's construction?