noun

cornett

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Cornett (noun) means an early wind instrument shaped like a horn, used in European music of the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Example: “The ensemble hired a cornett player for the Renaissance programme.”

noun

An early wind instrument shaped like a horn, used in European music of the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods.

"The ensemble hired a cornett player for the Renaissance programme."

"She learned to play the cornett to perform early music on original instruments."

How to use cornett

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cornett is an old wind instrument shaped like a horn, played before modern brass instruments existed.

When to use it

It is a specialist term used mainly by musicians and scholars working in early music.

Memory tip

Watch the spelling: the double t at the end marks the older horn instrument, not the modern brass cornet.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cornet →

Common pairings

play the cornett cornett player a Renaissance cornett

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “cornett” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The ensemble hired a _____ player for the Renaissance programme.

Etymology

Cornett comes from the Old French word cornet, a diminutive form of corne, meaning horn. Corne in turn goes back to the Latin word cornū.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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cornetto

Frequently asked questions

What is a cornett?

A cornett is an early wind instrument shaped like a horn, played in European music from the medieval period through to the Baroque era.

Is a cornett the same as a cornet?

No. A cornett is the older, horn-shaped instrument, while the cornet is a later brass instrument; the two should not be confused despite the similar names.

When was the cornett used?

It was played in medieval, Renaissance and Baroque European music, and today it is mainly heard in early music performances.

What is the meaning of cornett?

"cornett" (noun) means an early wind instrument shaped like a horn, used in European music of the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods.