Whistle vs. Kazoo — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 15, 2024
A whistle produces sound by blowing air to create a clear, piercing tone, whereas a kazoo amplifies a humming noise through a vibrating membrane.
Difference Between Whistle and Kazoo
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A whistle works by forcing air through a small opening, causing the air to vibrate and produce a high-pitched sound, often used for signaling or in sports. On the other hand, a kazoo produces its distinctive sound by the player humming into the instrument, which causes a membrane to vibrate and modulate the sound.
In terms of construction, whistles are typically made from metal, plastic, or wood and do not have a membrane. Whereas kazoos are usually made of metal, plastic, or wood as well, but they always include a vibrating membrane that is essential for their sound production.
Whistles are often used in various applications such as coaching, refereeing, or emergency signaling due to their loud and clear tone. Conversely, kazoos are primarily used as musical instruments, particularly in comedic music or as an introduction to music for children.
The sound of a whistle is generally singular and consistent, with variations depending mainly on the strength of the blow and the whistle's design. However, the kazoo allows for a wider range of tonal variations as the player can change the pitch and modulation by altering their humming.
Comparison Chart
Sound Production
Air blown through a small hole
Humming causes membrane vibration
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Material
Metal, plastic, wood
Metal, plastic, wood with a membrane
Use
Signaling, sports, emergency
Musical play, entertainment
Sound Variation
Limited by design and blow strength
Varied by humming pitch and modulation
Membrane
No membrane
Includes a vibrating membrane
Compare with Definitions
Whistle
A small device that emits a loud, high-pitched sound when blown.
The referee blew his whistle to stop the game.
Kazoo
Lightweight and portable, making it popular among children.
Each child received a kazoo as a party favor.
Whistle
A tool used for signaling or commanding attention.
She used a whistle to gather the students during the fire drill.
Kazoo
A simple musical instrument that modifies sound from humming through a membrane.
The child played a tune on his kazoo during the talent show.
Whistle
A term used metaphorically to describe a high-pitched, sharp sound.
The wind’s whistle through the trees was eerie.
Kazoo
Often used in comedic music or informal settings.
The clown used a kazoo to entertain the kids at the party.
Whistle
A whistle is an instrument which produces sound from a stream of gas, most commonly air. It may be mouth-operated, or powered by air pressure, steam, or other means.
Kazoo
Part of folk and popular music ensembles occasionally.
The band featured a kazoo solo in their latest song.
Whistle
To produce a clear musical sound by forcing air through the teeth or through an aperture formed by pursing the lips.
Kazoo
It allows for easy modulation of sound by the player.
She modulated her voice while playing the kazoo to mimic different instruments.
Whistle
To produce a clear, shrill, sharp musical sound by passing air over or through an opening
The tea kettle whistled on the stove.
Kazoo
The kazoo is an American musical instrument that adds a "buzzing" timbral quality to a player's voice when the player vocalizes into it. It is a type of mirliton (which itself is a membranophone), one of a class of instruments which modifies its player's voice by way of a vibrating membrane of goldbeater's skin or material with similar characteristics.
Whistle
To produce a high-pitched sound when moving swiftly through the air
The stone whistled past my head.
Kazoo
A simple musical instrument consisting of a metal or plastic tube with a single hole covered by a thin membrane that produces a buzzing sound when the player hums or sings into the mouthpiece.
Whistle
To produce a high-pitched sound by the rapid movement of air through an opening or past an obstruction
Wind whistled through the cracks in the windows.
Kazoo
(musical instrument) A simple musical instrument (a membranophone) consisting of a pipe with a hole in it, producing a buzzing sound when the player hums into it.
Whistle
To emit a shrill, sharp, high-pitched cry, as some birds and other animals.
Kazoo
To play the kazoo.
Whistle
To produce by whistling
Whistle a tune.
Kazoo
A kind of toy or rude musical instrument, as a tube inside of which is a stretched string or membrane made to vibrate by singing or humming into the tube.
Whistle
To summon, signal, or direct by whistling
I whistled down a cab. The referee whistled that the play was dead.
Kazoo
A toy wind instrument that has a membrane that makes a sound when you hum into the mouthpiece
Whistle
(Sports) To signal a rule infraction committed by (a player).
Whistle
A small wind instrument for making whistling sounds by means of the breath.
Whistle
A device for making whistling sounds by means of forced air or steam
A factory whistle.
Whistle
A sound produced by a whistling device or by whistling through the lips.
Whistle
A whistling sound, as of an animal or projectile.
Whistle
A device designed to be placed in the mouth and blown, or driven by steam or some other mechanism, to make a whistling sound.
Whistle
An act of whistling.
Whistle
A shrill, high-pitched sound made by whistling.
Whistle
Any high-pitched sound similar to the sound made by whistling.
The whistle of the wind in the trees
Whistle
(Cockney rhyming slang) A suit (from whistle and flute).
Whistle
(colloquial) The mouth and throat; so called as being the organs of whistling.
Whistle
(ambitransitive) To make a shrill, high-pitched sound by forcing air through the mouth. To produce a whistling sound, restrictions to the flow of air are created using the teeth, tongue and lips.
Never whistle at a funeral.
She was whistling a happy tune.
Whistle
(ambitransitive) To make a similar sound by forcing air through a musical instrument or a pipe etc.
The steam train whistled as it passed by.
Whistle
(intransitive) To move in such a way as to create a whistling sound.
A bullet whistled past.
Whistle
(transitive) To send, signal, or call by a whistle.
Whistle
To make a kind of musical sound, or series of sounds, by forcing the breath through a small orifice formed by contracting the lips; also, to emit a similar sound, or series of notes, from the mouth or beak, as birds.
The weary plowman leaves the task of day,And, trudging homeward, whistles on the way.
Whistle
To make a shrill sound with a wind or steam instrument, somewhat like that made with the lips; to blow a sharp, shrill tone.
Whistle
To sound shrill, or like a pipe; to make a sharp, shrill sound; as, a bullet whistles through the air.
The wild winds whistle, and the billows roar.
Whistle
To form, utter, or modulate by whistling; as, to whistle a tune or an air.
Whistle
To send, signal, or call by a whistle.
He chanced to miss his dog; we stood still till he had whistled him up.
I 'ld whistle her off, and let her down the windTo prey at fortune.
Whistle
A sharp, shrill, more or less musical sound, made by forcing the breath through a small orifice of the lips, or through or instrument which gives a similar sound; the sound used by a sportsman in calling his dogs; the shrill note of a bird; as, the sharp whistle of a boy, or of a boatswain's pipe; the blackbird's mellow whistle.
Might we but hearThe folded flocks, penned in their wattled cotes, . . . Or whistle from the lodge.
The countryman could not forbear smiling, . . . and by that means lost his whistle.
They fear his whistle, and forsake the seas.
Whistle
The shrill sound made by wind passing among trees or through crevices, or that made by bullet, or the like, passing rapidly through the air; the shrill noise (much used as a signal, etc.) made by steam or gas escaping through a small orifice, or impinging against the edge of a metallic bell or cup.
Whistle
An instrument in which gas or steam forced into a cavity, or against a thin edge, produces a sound more or less like that made by one who whistles through the compressed lips; as, a child's whistle; a boatswain's whistle; a steam whistle (see Steam whistle, under Steam).
The bells she jingled, and the whistle blew.
Whistle
The mouth and throat; - so called as being the organs of whistling.
So was her jolly whistle well ywet.
Let's drink the other cup to wet our whistles.
Whistle
The sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture
Whistle
The act of signalling (e.g., summoning) by whistling or blowing a whistle;
The whistle signalled the end of the game
Whistle
Acoustic device that forces air or steam against an edge or into a cavity and so produces a loud shrill sound
Whistle
An inexpensive fipple flute
Whistle
Make whistling sounds;
He lay there, snoring and whistling
Whistle
Move with, or as with, a whistling sound;
The bullets whistled past him
Whistle
Utter or express by whistling;
She whistled a melody
Whistle
Move, send, or bring as if by whistling;
Her optimism whistled away these worries
Whistle
Make a whining, ringing, or whistling sound;
The kettle was singing
The bullet sang past his ear
Whistle
Give a signal by whistling;
She whistled for her maid
Whistle
A musical instrument played by blowing air through a small opening.
He played the tin whistle in the folk band.
Whistle
A natural sound made by some birds, mimicking a whistled tune.
The songbird’s whistle was clear and melodious.
Common Curiosities
Can a whistle be used as a musical instrument?
Yes, whistles like tin whistles are used as musical instruments, particularly in folk music.
Is the kazoo suitable for professional music performances?
While typically considered a novelty, kazoos can be used in professional settings, particularly in comedic or experimental music genres.
What is the basic function of a whistle?
A whistle is primarily used to emit a loud, piercing sound for signaling or alert purposes.
How do you clean a kazoo?
Kazoos can be cleaned by disassembling and gently washing the parts, particularly the membrane area.
How do children benefit from playing the kazoo?
Playing the kazoo helps children develop musical skills and coordination in a fun, accessible way.
What materials are used to make whistles?
Whistles are made from materials like metal, plastic, or wood.
Can the sound of a whistle vary?
Yes, the sound of a whistle can vary based on the design and how forcefully it is blown.
How durable are kazoos?
Kazoos are quite durable, but the membrane may need replacing if it becomes damaged or worn out.
Can anyone learn to play a kazoo?
Yes, the kazoo is one of the easiest musical instruments to learn due to its simple playing technique.
What makes the kazoo unique as a musical instrument?
The kazoo is unique because it requires humming for sound production, using a vibrating membrane.
Are kazoos available in different sizes?
Yes, kazoos can vary in size, but the differences are generally minor as the design is quite standardized.
What is the best setting to use a whistle?
Whistles are best used in outdoor settings or where loud, clear communication is necessary.
What is the price range for kazoos and whistles?
Both kazoos and whistles are generally affordable, with prices varying slightly based on material and brand.
How does the sound of a kazoo differ from that of a musical horn?
Unlike a musical horn which produces sound through lip vibration into a mouthpiece, a kazoo modulates the sound of the player's humming.
Are there different types of whistles?
Yes, there are several types of whistles including pea whistles, slide whistles, and finger whistles.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
