woodwinds

1. A group of wind instruments with a softer tone than that of brass instruments. Woodwind players do not set the air in their instruments in motion by blowing through their closed lips against a cup-shaped mouthpiece, as players of brass instruments do. In woodwinds, the players insert the mouthpiece into their mouths and blow while pressing their lips against a single or double reed. Bassoons, clarinets, oboes, and saxophones are played in this way. In other woodwinds, the player blows across a hole (fifes, flutes, and piccolos) or into a whistlelike mouthpiece (recorders).

Example Sentences

Simon’s band members for this stint — a dozen or so strong, spanning percussion, woodwinds and guitars — were mostly impressionists during this portion, adding distant bells and chamber flourishes to the patina of these songs.

From Los Angeles Times

The nine ensembles included a large mixed band that he headed, along with ensembles of strings, brass, woodwinds and choruses.

From Los Angeles Times

In the often exquisite score, the strings throb and the woodwinds flutter.

From New York Times

The woodwinds handed off phrases with snappy coordination.

From New York Times

The Piano Concerto No. 25 was here fast and punchy, with fullness rather than finesse, and fizzy strings, bullish horns and swooning woodwinds.

From New York Times