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DictionaryfifeSmall marching flute
noun

fife

FYFE/faɪf/

A small, high-pitched flute used especially in marching music.

The bright sound of a fife carries above the marching drums.

A marching musician plays a small, keyless wooden fife, with a marching snare drummer slightly behind her to establish its musical use.
Etymology
fifeLatinto chirp, peep

Latin pipare imitates chirping or peeping. That sound became associated with a small whistle or reed instrument, a connection still clear in the fife’s high-pitched voice.

In context

Libranima570:22
the melancholy sound of a fife and harsh discordant drum made itself heard. All seemed somewhat put out by this dull, confused, martial harmony
Don Quixote - Cervantes (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 3 of 4

More examples

  • She plays a wooden fife in the parade.
  • The fifes and drums keep the marchers in step.
  • He holds the fife sideways and blows across its mouth hole.

Forms

fife · fifes

fifer noun — A musician who plays the fife.

Similar words

flute
Names the broader instrument family that includes the fife.
piccolo
A small, high-pitched flute typically fitted with keys.