banjo

noun

ban·​jo ˈban-(ˌ)jō How to pronounce banjo (audio)
plural banjos also banjoes
: a musical instrument with a drumlike body, a fretted neck, and usually four or five strings which may be plucked or strummed
banjoist noun

Illustration of banjo

Illustration of banjo

Examples of banjo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
She’s joined on the track by banjo player and acoustic guitarist Dillon Hodges, drummer Bryan De Leon, electric guitarist Matthew Tomasi, fiddler Donny Carpenter, organist Steven Colyer, and pedal steel player Todd Beene. Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 4 June 2025 Nonetheless, Wilson encourages Black people to give the banjo a try. Essence, 29 May 2025 Many tie country music's roots back to the banjo being a West African musical instrument that, as far back as the 17th century, gained renown when Black Africans were first brought to the Americas as enslaved people. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 28 May 2025 Fiddle, mandolin, banjo and the singers’ bright harmonies wrap around this celebration of rural living, from taking in the mountain air and lush scenery, to taking pride on one’s station in life, regardless of financial position. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for banjo

Word History

Etymology

probably of African origin; akin to Kimbundu mbanza, a similar instrument

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of banjo was in 1708

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Banjo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banjo. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

banjo

noun
ban·​jo ˈban-jō How to pronounce banjo (audio)
plural banjos also banjoes
: a musical instrument with a round body like a drum, a long fretted neck, and four or five strings
banjoist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on banjo

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