cymbal

[sim-buhl]

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.

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

cymbal

1. 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.

Other Word Forms

• cymbal-like adjective
• cymbaler noun
• cymbaleer noun
• cymbalist noun
• cymballike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cymbal¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English cymbal, cymbala, from Old French cymbale, cymble , and from Medieval Latin cymbalum, from Latin, from Greek kýmbalon, derivative of kýmbos, kýmbē “hollow vessel, cup”

Word History and Origins

Origin of cymbal¹

Old English cymbala, from Medieval Latin, from Latin cymbalum, from Greek kumbalon, from kumbē something hollow

Example Sentences

On Wednesday afternoon, it was a pleasant 77 degrees, with drums, flutes and cymbals being heard around the Manhattan Beach campus as band members practiced.

From Los Angeles Times

It all belongs, in the same way the crash of Chinese cymbals in the remix of Sammie’s signature song “I Lied to You” only punches up that gumbo’s flavor.

From Salon

The hilltop temples echoed with chants, while dance troupes performed with clanging cymbals and bagpipes.

From BBC

It all belongs, in the same way the crash of Chinese cymbals in the remix of Sammie's signature song "I Lied to You" only punches up that gumbo's flavor.

From Salon

Ted said, “Let’s cut the drums in there,” but Denny couldn’t hit the cymbals.

From Los Angeles Times