Definition

A type of musical instrument that has a single reed and is played by blowing into it, often used in folk music, or a lively dance that is performed to music played on this instrument.

Example

The dancers performed a lively hornpipe at the festival, showcasing their traditional moves.

Conversation

Have you ever tried dancing the hornpipe?

No, I haven't! What's it like?

It's a really fun and lively dance that goes well with the music from a hornpipe.

That sounds awesome! I’d love to learn it sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hornpipe → The word is formed from "horn" (from Old English "horn", meaning a hard, pointed projection) and "pipe" (from Old English "pipa", meaning a musical instrument). The term "hornpipe" refers to a type of dance or music that is traditionally played on a pipe made from horn or resembling a horn.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'horn' as a hard projection and a 'pipe' as a musical instrument — together, they create a lively dance or music associated with the hornpipe.

Visually Confused Words