Definition

1. Noun:
   • A brass musical instrument: The French horn is a brass wind instrument known for its distinctive coiled, conical tube shape and its use of valves to change pitch. It produces a rich, mellow tone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The orchestra's principal French horn player performed a beautiful solo.
  • Learning to play the French horn requires excellent breath control and ear training.

Advanced Usage

• "To play the French horn": This is the standard phrase for performing on this instrument.
  • She has played the French horn in the city's youth symphony for three years.

Variants and Related Words

• Horn (n): A common, shorter name for the French horn, especially in an orchestral context (e.g., "the horn section").
• Double horn (n): A common type of modern French horn that combines two sets of tubing, allowing the player to switch keys more easily.
• Natural horn (n): An early version of the horn without valves.

Synonyms

• Horn: The most direct synonym in musical terminology.
• Brass instrument: A broader category that includes the French horn, trumpet, and trombone.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Horn in": (Phrasal verb, informal) To intrude or interrupt.
  • I wish he wouldn't horn in on our private conversation.

Noun

1. a brass musical instrument consisting of a conical tube that is coiled into a spiral and played by means of valves