marimba

American  

[muh-rim-buh] / məˈrɪm bə /

noun

1. a musical instrument, originating in Africa but popularized and modified in Central America, consisting of a set of graduated wooden bars, often with resonators beneath to reinforce the sound, struck with mallets.

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marimba British  

/ məˈrɪmbə /

noun

1. a Latin American percussion instrument consisting of a set of hardwood plates placed over tuned metal resonators, played with two soft-headed sticks in each hand

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Etymology

Origin of marimba

1695–1705; < Portuguese < Kimbundu or a related Bantu language; akin to kalimba

Example Sentences

The performance will include fan-favorite pieces like “La Marimba del Sureste” and the L.A. premiere of the “Día de los Muertos” suite.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2023

But the long process has required vigilance to ensure the new developments benefit the neighborhood, said Marimba Milliones, president of the Hill Community Development Corp.

From Washington Times • Apr. 14, 2023

Live music will be provided by the Rubatano Marimba Band and A Band of Friends, plus there will be food trucks and activities for all ages.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2022

And the Marimba Lumina, played with mallets, responded to velocity, position and contact; each of its four mallets could be assigned its own sound.

From New York Times • Sep. 17, 2016

This form of Marimba is also met with amongst the natives of Costa Rica.

From Chatterbox, 1906 by Clarke, J. Erskine (John Erskine)