noun
Uncommon
piper
PEYE-puh
Piper (noun) means a person who plays a wind instrument called a pipe, especially bagpipes. Example: “A lone piper played at the ceremony.”
noun
1
A person who plays a wind instrument called a pipe, especially bagpipes.
"A lone piper played at the ceremony."
"The piper marched down the street while the crowd clapped along to the tune."
"As a young piper, he practised in the field behind the house so nobody would complain."
How to use piper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who plays the pipes, most often bagpipes.
Common mistake
Remember the idiom "pay the piper" — meaning to face the consequences of something, from the folk tale of the Pied Piper.
Common pairings
bagpipe piper
pay the piper
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Word forms
- Plural
- pipers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A lone _____ played at the ceremony.
Etymology
From pipe + -er, "one who pipes."
Synonyms
View more →
bagpiper
pipe player
Related words
Rhymes for piper
See all rhymes for piper →Frequently asked questions
What does “piper” mean?
The word “piper” means a person who plays a wind instrument called a pipe, especially bagpipes. In plain terms, someone who plays the pipes, most often bagpipes.
How do you pronounce “piper”?
“Piper” is pronounced PEYE-puh (/ˈpaɪ.pɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “piper” in a sentence?
Here is “piper” used in a sentence: “A lone piper played at the ceremony.”
What part of speech is “piper”?
“Piper” is a noun.
Is “piper” a common word?
“Piper” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a piper and a bagpiper?
A piper is a general term for anyone who plays a wind instrument called a pipe, while a bagpiper specifically plays the bagpipes. In practice, piper is very often used to mean bagpiper, especially in Scottish and Irish contexts.
Is piper only used for bagpipe players?
No, piper can refer to anyone who plays a pipe-type wind instrument, though it is most commonly associated with bagpipes in modern usage, particularly at Scottish events, funerals, and military ceremonies.
