English

Man playing a sousaphone.

Noun

sousaphone ‎(plural sousaphones)

1. (music) A valved brass instrument with the same length as a tuba, but shaped differently so that the bell is above the head, that the valves are situated directly in front of the musical instruments and a few inches above the waist, and that most of the weight rests on one shoulder.
   • 1990, Thomas D. Rossing, The Science of Sound‎, page 230

     One version of the large tuba, popular in marching bands, is called a sousaphone in honor of bandsman John Philip Sousa.

Derived terms

• sousaphonist

Translations