Bamboo Flute
/bæmˈbuː fluːt/noun
A wind instrument made from a hollow section of bamboo.
Did you know?The Chinese dizi, one of the world’s best-known bamboo flutes, traditionally includes a thin membrane that creates its distinctive buzzing resonance.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient South and Southeast Asia
Dravidian/Regional
bambu/bambū
“A term associated with bamboo; the deeper origin is uncertain and has been connected with South or Southeast Asian languages.”
16th Century
Dutch
bamboe
“The name for the bamboo plant, borrowed through Asian trade contacts.”
16th Century
English
bamboo
“A tall, jointed grass with hollow stems, introduced into English through trade and exploration.”
14th Century
Old French
flahute/flaute
“A pipe or wind instrument played by directing breath through it.”
14th–15th Century
Middle English
flute
“A wind instrument; the word was borrowed from French forms.”
Modern English
English
bamboo flute
“A compound noun for a flute constructed from bamboo, used for musical, ceremonial, and folk traditions.”