Meaning & Definition of word "Xylophone"

Xylophone

/ˈzaɪləˌfoʊn/

noun:

  • 1. A musical instrument consisting of a series of wooden bars that are struck with mallets to produce sound.
    • Example: The musician played a beautiful melody on the xylophone during the concert.
  • 2. A percussion instrument made of wooden bars arranged in the fashion of a piano keyboard.
    • Example: Children in the music class took turns playing the xylophone, learning about rhythm and melody.
  • 3. A type of instrument found in orchestras, often used to add color to the music.
    • Example: The orchestra featured a stunning xylophone solo that captivated the audience.
  • 4. An instrument resembling a xylophone but typically larger and made with different materials.
    • Example: The marimba is a larger xylophone that has a richer sound due to its resonators.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'xylo', meaning 'wood', and 'phone', meaning 'sound'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

xylophone music:

Music that prominently features the xylophone as an instrument.

play the xylophone:

To perform music using a xylophone.

xylophone virtuoso:

A person highly skilled at playing the xylophone.

Related Words

marimba:

A percussion instrument similar to a xylophone but with resonator tubes under each bar.

glockenspiel:

A musical instrument consisting of a set of tuned metal bars.

percussion:

A category of musical instruments that are struck to produce sound.

Slang Meanings of xylophone