A trumpet is a brass musical instrument that makes a bright, powerful sound when you blow into it. The player buzzes their lips against a cup-shaped mouthpiece while pressing down different combinations of three valves to change the notes. Trumpets can play higher than most other brass instruments, which is why they often carry the melody in orchestras and bands.

The trumpet has been around for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used simple trumpets made from shells, wood, or animal horns to send signals in battle or ceremonies. Modern trumpets, with their valves and precise tuning, were perfected in the 1800s and became essential in jazz, classical music, and marching bands. Famous trumpet players like Louis Armstrong transformed jazz music with virtuosic playing and distinctive style.

The word can also mean to announce something loudly and proudly. When someone trumpets their achievements, they're making sure everyone knows about them, sometimes in a boastful way. A newspaper might trumpet a major story with huge headlines across the front page.