Oboe
/ˈoʊboʊ/noun
A double-reed woodwind instrument with a clear, penetrating tone.
Did you know?The modern oboe descends from the baroque shawm family, and its name ultimately traces back to a French form meaning a kind of outdoor pipe used in loud, ceremonial music.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
aulos
“A reed pipe or flute-like wind instrument”
Latin
Latin
tibia
“Literally "shinbone," also used for a pipe or flute made from a bone”
Old French
French
hautbois
“"High wood," a loud wooden wind instrument used for outdoors”
17th Century
French
hautbois
“A shrill double-reed instrument in court and military music”
17th Century
English
oboe
“A borrowed form of the French name for the instrument”
Modern English
English
oboe
“A double-reed woodwind instrument with a piercing, expressive tone”