First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
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
CYMBALIST 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
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