Something like a submarine or a cigar (5)
I believe the answer is:
kazoo
'cigar' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for kazoo that I've seen before include "Simple musical instrument" , "Humming toy" , "Toy-like instrument into which one hums" , "Toy wind instrument that buzzes" .)