noun
Refers to the act of leading a group in a cheer, toast, song, or similar coordinated activity. Most commonly appears in the phrase 音頭を取る (to take the lead).
See also: 音頭を取る (おんどをとる)
乾杯の音頭を取ってください。
Please lead the toast.
彼が応援の音頭を取った。
He led the cheering.
noun
group folk dance and song
A traditional Japanese group performance where a lead singer calls out verses and others join in with a chorus and dance. Often seen at summer festivals (e.g., 盆踊り).
盆踊りでは、みんなで音頭に合わせて踊る。
At the Bon dance, everyone dances along with the ondo.
noun
leader of wind instruments in gagaku
Specialized term in gagaku (traditional court music) for the lead performer of a wind instrument section. Rare outside musical contexts.
See also: 雅楽
雅楽では、音頭が管楽器の演奏を先導する。
In gagaku, the ondo leads the performance of the wind instruments.