noun
kazoo
kuh-ZOO/kəˈzuː/
A small musical instrument whose membrane vibrates when hummed into.
The kazoo has an open humming inlet and a raised membrane turret.
Etymology
Kazoo was a commercial name, probably altered from bazoo, meaning 'trumpet.' Bazoo itself was probably sound-imitative, so the instrument's name may ultimately evoke a musical noise.
In context
music now in the round called Swany Kazoo. This is the round where the team's duet combined the ambrosial whisper of the swany whistle with the bronchial burp of the kazoo.
More examples
- You play a kazoo by humming, not simply blowing.
- The kazoo's thin membrane gives her voice a buzzing sound.
- The children join the song with brightly colored kazoos.
Forms
kazoo · kazoos