How Do You Spell OBOE?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒbə͡ʊ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "oboe" can be confusing for English speakers because the pronunciation does not match the conventional English spelling conventions. The correct IPA phonetic transcription for "oboe" is /əʊˈbəʊ/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/, similar to the sound in "the". The second syllable is pronounced with the diphthong /əʊ/, which is the sound in "go". The final syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/. Overall, the spelling of "oboe" is not phonetically intuitive, but it is an important word for those interested in classical music.

OBOE Meaning and Definition

  1. The oboe is a woodwind musical instrument that is typically made of wood or synthetic materials, consisting of a long, slender tube with a flared bell at the end. It is played by blowing air through a double reed, which is a pair of thin strips of cane that vibrate when the player's breath is directed over them.

    With its distinctive nasal and expressive sound, the oboe has been used in various genres of music, including classical, opera, chamber, and contemporary. The instrument has a soprano range and is known for its prominent role in orchestras, often playing key solo passages or providing the foundation of the woodwind section's melodic ensemble.

    The oboe has a complex fingering system, with various keys and key combinations to produce different pitches and tones. It features several register holes along its length to control the airflow and pitch. The player uses their fingertips and sometimes the lips to manipulate these keys and achieve accurate intonation and articulation.

    Historically, the oboe has evolved from older double-reed instruments, gaining popularity in the late 17th and 18th centuries, particularly during the Baroque and Classical periods. It is often admired for its ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from lyrical and mournful to lively and cheerful. The oboe's distinct sound and versatile capabilities make it an indispensable member of the woodwind family and a vital component of many musical ensembles.

  2. A musical wind instrument sounded through a reed; a stop in an organ-the same as hautboy, which see.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for OBOE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for OBOE

Etymology of OBOE

The word "oboe" originates from the Italian word "oboe" or "hautbois", which means "high wood" or "high-pitched wood". The term "hautbois" comes from the French words "haut" meaning "high" and "bois" meaning "wood". The name likely refers to the fact that the instrument is made of wood and produces high-pitched sounds.

Similar spelling words for OBOE

Plural form of OBOE is OBOES

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