Banjo

Pronunciation: /ˈbændʒoʊ/

Definitions of banjo

noun a musical instrument with a round body, a membrane stretched over the top, and four or five strings plucked with the fingers or a plectrum

Example Sentences

A1 I want to learn how to play the banjo.

A2 My grandfather used to play the banjo at family gatherings.

B1 She bought a new banjo and started taking lessons to improve her skills.

B2 The banjo player entertained the crowd with his lively tunes.

C1 The banjo has a distinct sound that sets it apart from other string instruments.

C2 The musician expertly plucked the strings of the banjo, creating a beautiful melody.

Examples of banjo in a Sentence

formal The musician played a beautiful melody on the banjo during the classical concert.

informal I love strumming my banjo by the campfire with friends.

slang He's a real banjo picker, always jamming out on his instrument.

figurative Her laughter rang out like the plucking of a banjo, filling the room with joy.

Grammatical Forms of banjo

• past tense: played
• plural: banjos
• comparative: more banjo
• superlative: most banjo
• present tense: plays
• future tense: will play
• perfect tense: has played
• continuous tense: is playing
• singular: banjo
• positive degree: banjo
• infinitive: to play banjo
• gerund: playing banjo
• participle: played banjo

Origin and Evolution of banjo

First Known Use: 1620 year

Language of Origin: Kimbundu

Story behind the word: The word 'banjo' likely originated from the Kimbundu language in West Africa, where it was called 'mbanza' or 'banza', referring to a stringed musical instrument.

Evolution of the word: The term 'banjo' was first used in English in the early 17th century to describe a musical instrument with a round body and a long neck. Over time, the banjo evolved in design and became popular in American folk and bluegrass music.