castanets

/ ˌkæstəˈnɛts /

plural noun

1. curved pieces of hollow wood, usually held between the fingers and thumb and made to click together: used esp by Spanish dancers

Word History and Origins

Origin of castanets¹

C17 castanet, from Spanish castañeta, diminutive of castaña _chestnut

Example Sentences

Eighteen dancers in period attire filled the stage, their castanets adding a chattering commentary to neat ballet jumps and turns, making them buzz.

From New York Times

She still has her wooden castanets from about 80 years ago and can still, just about, raise her leg to her head.

From BBC

All castanets and flamenco skirts, this is a big, ballsy cabaret number about love driving you crazy.

From BBC

She dressed in an elaborate cloak, wielded a guitar and castanets and, when it was her turn to step into the center of the group and dance, did her best to master complex choreography.

From Los Angeles Times

Jokes aside, those early experiences of singing, dancing and playing guitar and castanets were formative.

From Los Angeles Times