Fife: meaning, definitions and examples

A fife is a small, high-pitched flute-like instrument, often used in military and marching bands due to its piercing sound. It is not typically used in classical music settings.

• The fife players led the parade with their sharp, clear notes.
• He practiced his fife every day to perfect his performance for the reenactment.

A flute is a widely recognized and versatile woodwind instrument, commonly found in various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and even pop music. It is a standard part of orchestras and bands.

• She played a beautiful solo on her flute during the concert.
• The orchestra's flute section added a light, airy quality to the symphony.

The flageolet is a woodwind instrument similar to a recorder, often used in folk music. It has an older historical association and is less common in modern orchestras.

• The folk band included a flageolet player, adding a unique historical touch to their music.
• She learned to play the flageolet from her grandfather, who loved traditional folk songs.

A piccolo is a smaller, higher-pitched version of the flute. It is used to add brilliance and brightness to an orchestral or band performance, often to play very high notes.

• The piccolo's high notes shone brightly over the rest of the orchestra.
• Learning to play the piccolo required adjusting to its smaller size and higher pitch compared to the flute.

Commonly used to refer to a small, high-pitched, wooden or metal transverse flute, especially in military and marching band settings.

• The band leader instructed the musician to play the fife during the parade
• The sound of the fife could be heard clearly above the drums

A general term for a broader family of woodwind instruments, which can be used in a wide range of musical settings, from classical orchestras to modern bands.

• She practiced her flute every evening to prepare for the school concert
• The flute solo was the highlight of the performance

Refers to a flute used primarily for signaling purposes rather than musical performances, often in military or scouting situations.

• The scout leader used a signal flute to gather everyone at the campsite
• The signal flute’s call was a cue for the soldiers to assemble

Specifically used within a military context, often referring to a metallic instrument used in military bands for signaling and ceremonial purposes.

• The military band featured a prominent military flute section during the official event
• The sharp tone of the military flute pierced the morning fog as the troops marched