Standard Lemma guide

chalumeau

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˌʃælʊˈməʊ/

1

noun

Meaning 1

A woodwind instrument which was the predecessor of the clarinet.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The lowest range of the clarinet, reaching up to written B♭ (B flat) above middle C.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Borrowed from French chalumeau, from Late Latin calamellus, diminutive of Latin calamus (“reed”), from Ancient Greek κάλαμος (kálamos, “reed”). Doublet of shawm and probably caramel.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: caramella — woodwind instrument preceding the clarinet
  • French: chalumeau — woodwind instrument preceding the clarinet
  • Italian: salmoè — woodwind instrument preceding the clarinet