French horn

noun

: a circular valved brass instrument having a conical bore, a funnel-shaped mouthpiece, and a usual range from B below the bass staff upward for more than three octaves

Illustration of French horn

Illustration of french horn

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of French horn was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near French horn

French hood

French horn

French ice cream

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Cite this Entry

“French horn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/French%20horn. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

French horn

noun
: a circular brass musical instrument with a large opening at one end and a mouthpiece shaped like a small funnel

More from Merriam-Webster on French horn

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about French horn

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