Definition

A musical instrument from the medieval and Renaissance periods that looks like a trombone and is played by sliding a tube to change notes.

Example

The sackbut was commonly used in orchestras during the Renaissance.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a sackbut?

Yeah, isn't it a type of musical instrument?

Exactly! It's similar to a trombone but from medieval times.

That sounds really interesting; I'd love to hear one played!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sackbut → The word originates from Middle English 'sackbutte', which is derived from Old French 'saqueboute', meaning a type of trombone. The term itself is a combination of 'sac' (meaning bag) and 'boute' (meaning to push). Thus, a sackbut refers to a wind instrument that can be pushed into a bag-like shape.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'bag' ('sac') that can be 'pushed' ('boute') to create music — that's how you remember that a sackbut is a type of wind instrument.

Visually Confused Words