fife

noun

: a small transverse flute with six to eight finger holes and usually no keys

Examples of fife in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An ensemble of Army soldiers fired up the fife and drums on board the USS Constitution on Monday to provide a patriotic flair to the summer heat. Boston Herald Staff, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025 The models were Hugh Moser, a Civil War veteran and friend of Willard’s playing the fife, Henry K. Devereux, son of Gen. John H. Devereux, (who bought one of the paintings) served as the model for the drummer on the left and Willard’s father (Rev. Samuel Willard) as the older drummer. Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 2 July 2025 One is Michael Dalton, expected to have been a fife during the battle. Chelsea Torres, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025 Amidst a fife and drum performance, the High Tea featured the same teas that were thrown over the Harbor, like Bohea tea, Congou and Souchong, as well as some Singlo and Hyson varieties. Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fife

Word History

Etymology

German Pfeife pipe, fife, from Old High German pfīfa, from Vulgar Latin *pipa pipe — more at pipe

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fife was in 1539

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fife. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fife

noun
: a small high-pitched musical instrument resembling a flute

Geographical Definition

Fife

geographical name

variants or Fifeshire
administrative area of eastern Scotland between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth area 509 square miles (1319 square kilometers), population 365,198

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