noun
Uncommon
xiao
shyow
Xiao (noun) means a traditional Chinese end-blown bamboo flute. Example: “She played a slow, breathy melody on the xiao.”
noun
1
A traditional Chinese end-blown bamboo flute.
"She played a slow, breathy melody on the xiao."
"The xiao has a softer, more mellow tone than the dizi flute."
"Chou studied violin and erhu (a two-stringed Chinese fiddle) and tried to emulate his second brother by dabbling in the harmonica, mandolin, xiao (a vertical Chinese flute), and the musical saw."
— Peter M. Chang, Chou Wen-Chung: The Life and Work of a Contemporary Chinese-born American Composer (2006)
How to use xiao
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA vertical Chinese bamboo flute, often used in classical and folk music.
Common pairings
play the xiao
a xiao melody
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Word forms
- Plural
- xiaos
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She played a slow, breathy melody on the _____.
Etymology
From Mandarin 簫/箫 (xiāo).
Rhymes for xiao
See all rhymes for xiao →Frequently asked questions
What does “xiao” mean?
The word “xiao” means a traditional Chinese end-blown bamboo flute. In plain terms, a vertical Chinese bamboo flute, often used in classical and folk music.
How do you pronounce “xiao”?
“Xiao” is pronounced shyow (/ʃjaʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “xiao” in a sentence?
Here is “xiao” used in a sentence: “She played a slow, breathy melody on the xiao.”
What part of speech is “xiao”?
“Xiao” is a noun.
Is “xiao” a common word?
“Xiao” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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