cymbal

[sim-buh l] /ˈsɪm bəl/
noun
1.
a concave plate of brass or bronze that produces a sharp, ringing sound when struck: played either in pairs, by being struck together, or singly, by being struck with a drumstick or the like.
Origin
before 900; Middle English; Old English cymbala < Medieval Latin, variant of cymbalum < Latin < Greek kýmbalon, variant of kýmbos, kýmbē hollow object
Related forms
cymbaler, cymbaleer, cymbalist, noun
cymballike, adjective
Examples from the web for cymbal
  • It also features the inevitable whispering choir whose volume rises in the chorus and gets punctuated by a cymbal clap.
  • Instruments on the table include a xylophone, cymbal, drum and two drumsticks.
  • Periodic cymbal clashes or the knock of wooden clappers punctuated the drone.
  • cymbal bronze is unique in that a balance of durability and timbre is needed.
British Dictionary definitions for cymbal

cymbal

/ˈsɪmbəl/
noun
1.
a percussion instrument of indefinite pitch consisting of a thin circular piece of brass, which vibrates when clashed together with another cymbal or struck with a stick
Derived Forms
cymbaler, cymbaleer, cymbalist, noun
cymbal-like, adjective
Word Origin
Old English cymbala, from Medieval Latin, from Latin cymbalum, from Greek kumbalon, from kumbē something hollow
Word Origin and History for cymbal
n.

from Old English cimbal and from Old French cymbale (13c.), both from Latin cymbalum, from Greek kymbalon "a cymbal," from kymbe "bowl, drinking cup."

cymbal in Culture

cymbal definition


A large, round metal plate used as a percussion instrument. Cymbals can be crashed together in pairs or struck singly with a drumstick, and they are used in dance bands, jazz bands, and orchestras.