bugle
Bugle (noun) means a brass wind instrument without valves, used mainly for military calls, played by adjusting lip pressure to move between notes. Example: “A lone bugle played the last post at the war memorial.”
How to use bugle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA simple military-style brass horn, or the sound it makes.
Don't confuse with "bugler" (the person who plays it) — a common spelling mix-up.
Word forms
more bugle comparative, bugled past tense, bugles plural, bugles plural, bugles plural, bugles singular, most bugle superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A lone _____ played the last post at the war memorial.
Etymology
From Middle English bugle, via Anglo-Norman from Latin buculus, "young ox" — bugles were originally made from ox horn.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “bugle” mean?
The word “bugle” means a brass wind instrument without valves, used mainly for military calls, played by adjusting lip pressure to move between notes. In plain terms, a simple military-style brass horn, or the sound it makes.
How do you pronounce “bugle”?
“Bugle” is pronounced BYOO-guhl (/ˈbjuːɡəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “bugle” in a sentence?
Here is “bugle” used in a sentence: “A lone bugle played the last post at the war memorial.”
What part of speech is “bugle”?
Depending on how it is used, “bugle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bugle” come from?
The word “bugle” comes from Latin. From Middle English bugle, via Anglo-Norman from Latin buculus, "young ox" — bugles were originally made from ox horn.
How many meanings does “bugle” have?
“Bugle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a brass wind instrument without valves, used mainly for military calls, played by adjusting lip pressure to move between notes.