Dictionary
timbre
noun tim·bre \ˈtam-bər, ˈtim-; ˈtam(brə)\
: the quality of the sound made by a particular voice or musical instrument
Full Definition of TIMBRE
: the quality given to a sound by its overtones: as a : the resonance by which the ear recognizes and identifies a voiced speech sound b : the quality of tone distinctive of a particular singing voice or musical instrument
— tim·bral \ˈtam-brəl, ˈtim-\ adjective
See timbre defined for English-language learners
See timbre defined for kids
Variants of TIMBRE
tim·bre also tim·ber \ˈtam-bər, ˈtim-; ˈtam(brə)\
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TIMBRE
French, from Middle French, bell struck by a hammer, from Old French, drum, from Middle Greek tymbanon kettledrum, from Greek tympanon — more at tympanum
First Known Use: 1845
Medical Dictionary
timbre
noun tim·bre
Medical Definition of TIMBRE
: the quality given to a sound by its overtones: as a : the resonance by which the ear recognizes and identifies a voiced speech sound b : the quality of tone distinctive of a particular singing voice or musical instrument
—tim·bral \ˈtam-brəl, ˈtim-\ adjective
Variants of TIMBRE
tim·bre also tim·ber \ˈtam-bər, ˈtim-; ˈtam(brə)\
Learn More About TIMBRE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up timbre? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).