flute: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal in musical contexts; specialised in architecture/glassware.
Quick answer
What does “flute” mean?
A high-pitched woodwind musical instrument, typically made of metal or wood, which is played by blowing across a hole at one end.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A high-pitched woodwind musical instrument, typically made of metal or wood, which is played by blowing across a hole at one end.
A tall, narrow wine glass with a long stem; an architectural groove (fluting) cut vertically into a column or surface; to play or produce sounds on a flute; to speak or sing in a high, clear, flute-like tone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. Usage is largely identical. The architectural term 'fluting' is more common than the noun 'flute' for the groove itself in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotations of refinement, classical music, and gentility are similar. In wine contexts, 'flute' is standard for champagne/sparkling wine glasses globally.
Frequency
Equal frequency for the core musical sense. Slight UK preference for 'flute' over 'champagne flute' for the glass; US may specify 'champagne flute' more often.
Grammar
How to Use “flute” in a Sentence
play + [the] + fluteflute + is made of + materialflute + VERB (sings, trills, sounds)to flute + one's words/speechVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flute” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She fluted the melody beautifully.
- The old man fluted his commands in a reedy voice.
American English
- He fluted a tune while he worked.
- Her laughter fluted through the quiet room.
adverb
British English
- (Rare; typically not used) 'She sang flute-like.' is preferred.
American English
- (Rare; typically not used) 'He spoke flute-ily.' is non-standard.
adjective
British English
- The column had a fluted design.
- She admired the fluted champagne glass.
American English
- The pie crust had a fluted edge.
- They bought a set of fluted glasses.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in music industry or glassware manufacturing contexts.
Academic
Common in musicology, history of music, and architectural history.
Everyday
Common when discussing music, instruments, or drinking champagne.
Technical
Specific in music (instrument specifications), architecture (fluting detail), and glassware design.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flute”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flute”
- Incorrect article: 'She plays flute' (should be 'plays the flute' in UK, often 'plays flute' accepted in US). Confusing 'flute' (glass) with 'tulip glass' or 'coupe'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In British English, 'play the flute' is standard. In American English, both 'play the flute' and 'play flute' (especially in contexts like 'she plays flute in the band') are used, though the former is more formal.
A flute (like the Western concert flute) is held horizontally and sound is produced by blowing across a hole. A recorder is held vertically and has a whistle mouthpiece. They are different woodwind instruments.
Yes, though it's less common. It means to play the flute or, more figuratively, to speak or sing in a high, clear, fluting tone.
It is a specific type of tall, narrow stemware designed to preserve the bubbles and aroma of sparkling wine like champagne.
A high-pitched woodwind musical instrument, typically made of metal or wood, which is played by blowing across a hole at one end.
Flute is usually neutral to formal in musical contexts; specialised in architecture/glassware. in register.
Flute: in British English it is pronounced /fluːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /fluːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To flute one's words (to speak melodiously)”
- “He'd argue with a flute (extremely stubborn, from 'argue with a fence post') – rare/extended use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a fruit (sounds like 'flute') with a hole; you blow across it to play a tune.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS LIQUID ('the melody flowed from her flute'); HIGH STATUS IS REFINED ('the flute's elegant tone').
Practice
Quiz
In which field would the term 'fluting' be most technically accurate?