Illustration of piccolo
piccolo
1 of 2adjective
pic·co·lo ˈpi-kə-ˌlō 
: smaller than ordinary size
a piccolo banjo
piccolo
2 of 2noun
plural piccolos
: a small shrill flute whose range is an octave higher than that of an ordinary flute
piccoloist
ˈpi-kə-ˌlō-ist
noun 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Antonio Olivo, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2022 Their unique sound comes from bringing together bass, alto, C flutes, piccolo and Native American flutes. Shirley Macfarland, cleveland, 28 July 2022 These students may not have access to piccolo lessons, excursions to the Galapagos Islands, or advanced placement courses that can boost a student’s chance of admission. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 30 Mar. 2022 Making an inaugural appearance at this year’s Spirit Awards, Arrvo served up a menu featuring macchiatos, lattes, flat whites, cappuccinos, matcha lattes, dirty chai lattes, piccolo lattes, hot chocolate and more. Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2022 Political boondogglers pampering expensive projects that might eventually produce a lot of good piccolo players, but certainly won’t put any airplanes in MacArthur’s offensive. BostonGlobe.com, 3 Mar. 2022 His good friend Martayvia, who plays piccolo, has become a sister figure to him, despite some initial tension. Candace Mcduffie, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 Jan. 2022 Alyssa Alexander, who graduated from Ocoee in 2014, played the flute, piccolo, and piano during her time in the band. Nathaniel Marrero, orlandosentinel.com, 28 Oct. 2021 It’s the violette that provides top notes, a piccolo fluttering around the palate, a flavor that’s at once delicate and powerful. Jason O'bryan, Robb Report, 18 Nov. 2021 See More
Noun
Linda Lacey, 73, was excited to see the large turnout, mainly because her 14-year-old granddaughter, who starts at the high school Monday, will be playing piccolo in the band before Biden speaks. Antonio Olivo, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2022 Their unique sound comes from bringing together bass, alto, C flutes, piccolo and Native American flutes. Shirley Macfarland, cleveland, 28 July 2022 These students may not have access to piccolo lessons, excursions to the Galapagos Islands, or advanced placement courses that can boost a student’s chance of admission. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 30 Mar. 2022 Making an inaugural appearance at this year’s Spirit Awards, Arrvo served up a menu featuring macchiatos, lattes, flat whites, cappuccinos, matcha lattes, dirty chai lattes, piccolo lattes, hot chocolate and more. Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2022 Political boondogglers pampering expensive projects that might eventually produce a lot of good piccolo players, but certainly won’t put any airplanes in MacArthur’s offensive. BostonGlobe.com, 3 Mar. 2022 His good friend Martayvia, who plays piccolo, has become a sister figure to him, despite some initial tension. Candace Mcduffie, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 Jan. 2022 Alyssa Alexander, who graduated from Ocoee in 2014, played the flute, piccolo, and piano during her time in the band. Nathaniel Marrero, orlandosentinel.com, 28 Oct. 2021 It’s the violette that provides top notes, a piccolo fluttering around the palate, a flavor that’s at once delicate and powerful. Jason O'bryan, Robb Report, 18 Nov. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Italian, small
Noun
Italian, short for piccolo flauto small flute
First Known Use
Adjective
1832, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1841, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
piccolo
noun
pic·co·lo ˈpi-kə-ˌlō
plural piccolos
: a high-pitched instrument resembling a small flute