Cornet

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈkɔːr.nɪt/ (American), /ˈkɔː.nɪt/ (British)

Phonetic: KOR-nit (American), KAW-nit (British)

Definitions

• A brass musical instrument similar to a trumpet but with a more compact shape and mellower tone.
• (Historical) A cavalry officer who carried the standard of a troop.
• A small cone-shaped object, such as a paper cone or an ice cream cone.

Usage Examples

• "She played a beautiful solo on the cornet during the concert."
• "The young cornet led the cavalry charge into battle."
• "He held the ice cream cornet carefully to avoid spilling."

Etymology

Derived from Middle French cornette, meaning "little horn," from Old French corn (horn), ultimately from Latin cornu (horn).

Synonyms

• Trumpet
• Bugle
• Horn

Antonyms

• (No direct antonyms, but related instruments include woodwinds like the flute and clarinet)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈkɔːr.nɪt/ (KOR-nit)
• British English: /ˈkɔː.nɪt/ (KAW-nit)
• Australian English: /ˈkɔː.nɪt/ (KAW-nit)

Historical Usage

The cornet has been a popular brass instrument since the early 19th century, used in military bands and orchestras. Historically, "cornet" also referred to a cavalry officer carrying a troop's standard.

Cultural Nuances

The cornet is widely associated with brass bands and jazz music, particularly in traditional Dixieland jazz and British brass band culture.

More Information

The cornet is often compared to the trumpet, but it has a conical bore, giving it a softer, more lyrical sound. It plays a crucial role in many military and concert bands.