trumpet
TRUHM-piht
Trumpet (noun) means a brass musical instrument played by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece, typically with valves to change pitch. Example: “She practiced trumpet scales every evening after school.”
noun
1
A brass musical instrument played by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece, typically with valves to change pitch.
"She practiced trumpet scales every evening after school."
"The trumpet section came in loud for the final chorus."
"He carried his trumpet case onto the bus every morning."
2
The loud, blaring cry made by an elephant.
"The elephant let out a trumpet before charging toward the water."
"We heard the trumpet of a distant elephant across the river."
"The baby elephant gave a small, squeaky trumpet when its mother wandered off."
verb
1
To announce or praise something loudly and publicly.
"The company trumpeted its record profits in the press release."
"The shop trumpeted its new opening hours on a large banner."
"Don't trumpet your success too loudly; people may find it boastful."
How to use trumpet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe brass instrument, an elephant's loud cry, or (as a verb) to loudly announce something.
Common pairings
blow a trumpet
trumpet an achievement
play the trumpet
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Word forms
- Plural
- trumpets
- Third person singular
- trumpets
- Past tense
- trumpeted
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She practiced _____ scales every evening after school.
Etymology
From Old French trompette, a diminutive of trompe, "horn," ultimately from a Frankish word imitating the instrument's sound — related to "drum."
Related words
Rhymes for trumpet
See all rhymes for trumpet →Frequently asked questions
What does “trumpet” mean?
The word “trumpet” means a brass musical instrument played by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece, typically with valves to change pitch. In plain terms, the brass instrument, an elephant's loud cry, or (as a verb) to loudly announce something.
How do you pronounce “trumpet”?
“Trumpet” is pronounced TRUHM-piht (/ˈtɹʌmpɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “trumpet” in a sentence?
Here is “trumpet” used in a sentence: “She practiced trumpet scales every evening after school.”
What part of speech is “trumpet”?
Depending on how it is used, “trumpet” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “trumpet” come from?
The word “trumpet” comes from Old French. From Old French trompette, a diminutive of trompe, "horn," ultimately from a Frankish word imitating the instrument's sound — related to "drum.".
Is “trumpet” a common word?
“Trumpet” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “trumpet” have?
“Trumpet” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a brass musical instrument played by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece, typically with valves to change pitch.
What is the difference between a trumpet and a cornet?
A trumpet is a brass instrument played by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece, typically with valves to change pitch, and it generally has a longer, more cylindrical bore that gives it a brighter, more piercing tone. A cornet is similar in playing technique but has a more conical bore, producing a mellower, rounder sound.
What does it mean to trumpet something?
To trumpet something means to announce or praise it loudly and publicly, drawing as much attention to it as possible. The word is often used when someone boasts about an achievement or makes sure news is widely known.
Why is an elephant's cry called a trumpet?
An elephant's loud, blaring cry is called a trumpet because it resembles the sharp, resonant sound of the brass instrument. This use of trumpet as a noun describes that distinctive vocalisation specifically.
