oboe
2 synonyms for oboe, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A slender wooden wind instrument with a double reed, played in orchestras and bands.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Adopted into English around 1770 from Italian oboe, itself a spelling of the French hautbois ("high wood") — from haut ("high, loud") + bois ("wood").
Full origin of oboe →Frequently asked questions
What does “oboe” mean?
The word “oboe” means a slender wooden wind instrument with a double reed, played in orchestras and bands. In plain terms, a woodwind instrument with a distinctive reedy, nasal tone.
How do you pronounce “oboe”?
“Oboe” is pronounced OH-boh (/ˈoʊboʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “oboe” in a sentence?
Here is “oboe” used in a sentence: “The oboe played the opening melody of the symphony.”
What part of speech is “oboe”?
“Oboe” is a noun.
Where does the word “oboe” come from?
The word “oboe” dates back to around 1770 and comes from French. Adopted into English around 1770 from Italian oboe, itself a spelling of the French hautbois ("high wood") — from haut ("high, loud") + bois ("wood").
