cymbal

noun cym·bal \ˈsim-bəl\

: a musical instrument in the form of a slightly curved thin metal plate that is played by hitting it with a drumstick or with another cymbal and that makes a very loud metallic sound

Full Definition of CYMBAL

: a concave brass plate that produces a brilliant clashing tone and that is struck with a drumstick or is used in pairs struck glancingly together

— cym·bal·ist \-bə-list\ noun

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Origin of CYMBAL

Middle English, from Old English cymbal & Anglo-French cymbele, from Latin cymbalum, from Greek kymbalon, from kymbē bowl, boat

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with CYMBAL

gimbal, nimble, symbol, thimble, timbale, Trimble, tymbal, wimble

CYMBAL Defined for Kids

cymbal

noun cym·bal \ˈsim-bəl\

Definition of CYMBAL for Kids

: a musical instrument in the form of a brass plate that is struck with a drumstick or is used in pairs struck together

Learn More About CYMBAL

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "cymbal"

Nglish: Translation of "cymbal" for Spanish speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "cymbal"

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