english horn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized / Technical
Quick answer
What does “english horn” mean?
A musical instrument of the woodwind family, larger and lower-pitched than the oboe, with a distinctively rich, melancholic tone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical instrument of the woodwind family, larger and lower-pitched than the oboe, with a distinctively rich, melancholic tone.
While primarily the name of the orchestral instrument, 'English horn' is also sometimes used metaphorically to refer to a voice or sound quality that is deeply expressive or sorrowful, reminiscent of the instrument's tone. In rare figurative use, it can denote a messenger of sad or nostalgic news.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both UK and US English use the term 'English horn' predominantly. The French term 'cor anglais' is also standard and somewhat more common in UK professional and orchestral contexts, but 'English horn' is universally understood.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation between regions.
Frequency
In the US, 'English horn' is the overwhelmingly standard term. In the UK, both 'cor anglais' and 'English horn' are used, with 'cor anglais' holding a slight edge in formal classical music writing.
Grammar
How to Use “english horn” in a Sentence
The composer [wrote/scored/composed] [a part/a solo] for the English horn.The [sound/tone/melody] of the English horn [evoked/filled/expressed] [nostalgia/sorrow].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in musicology, orchestration, and performance studies texts.
Everyday
Very rare outside discussions of classical music, orchestral concerts, or instrument learning.
Technical
Standard term in orchestral scores, instrument catalogues, and woodwind pedagogy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “english horn”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “english horn”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “english horn”
- Misspelling as 'English horn' without capitalising 'English'.
- Confusing it with the French horn, a completely different brass instrument.
- Incorrect plural: 'English horns' (acceptable, but often rephrased as 'English horn players' or 'parts for English horn').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the name's origin is unclear. It likely comes from a mistranslation or corruption of the French term 'cor anglais' ('angled horn').
The English horn is larger, has a lower pitch (a perfect fifth below the oboe), a pear-shaped bell, and uses a curved metal tube (bocal) to hold the reed, giving it a mellower, more nasal tone.
Typically, yes. Most professional English horn players are primarily oboists, as the fingering and technique are very similar, allowing for doubling on both instruments.
The term 'horn' historically referred to many instruments, not just brass. The curved shape of early versions and the bell-like flare likely contributed to the name.
A musical instrument of the woodwind family, larger and lower-pitched than the oboe, with a distinctively rich, melancholic tone.
English horn is usually specialized / technical in register.
English horn: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈhɔːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈhɔːrn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The 'English' horn sings a sad 'horn' song, but it's really an OBOE that's grown long! (Hint: It's not English and not a brass horn.)
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS EMOTION / MELANCHOLY IS A LOW, REEDY TONE.
Practice
Quiz
What family of instruments does the English horn belong to?