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.
Beyonce is a real-life beekeeper; the touring electronic music producer DJ Diesel is better known as basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal; comedian Steve Martin is quite skilled on the banjo. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 11 Apr. 2025 The banjo, a country staple, is rooted in West African traditions; enslaved Africans and Caribbeans created it. Delano Massey, Axios, 22 Mar. 2025 Culkin’s chief rival Norton, who plays the banjo and sings as the saintly folk hero Pete Seeger, has not summoned a win yet. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 26 Feb. 2025 It was tucked in with Tim Galloway’s banjo, the two instruments combining to define the percussive support. Tom Roland, Billboard, 29 Jan. 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 22 Apr. 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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