castanets
Britishplural noun
Etymology
Origin of castanets
C17 castanet, from Spanish castañeta, diminutive of castaña chestnut
Explanation
Castanets are a Spanish percussion instrument. Castanets are clicked together in rhythm with music and dance. This plural noun is the name of a percussion instrument consisting of round pieces of shell, wood, or bone held in the fingers. Castanets were originally made from chestnuts and get their name from the Spanish diminutive for chestnut. Like drums, shakers, and other percussion instruments, castanets help create the rhythm in a piece of music. Castanets tend to be part of rhythmically lively music that makes people want to dance. Castanets are also called bones, clappers, and finger cymbals.
Vocabulary lists containing castanets
Music to My Ears: Instrumental Vocab
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Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize in Literature
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2015 Spelling Bee - Words from Round 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Percussive footwork was multiplied in tight unison, groups moved in handsome lines and circles, castanets trilled and soloists broke out in displays of expertise.
From New York Times ● Mar. 18, 2024
She still has her wooden castanets from about 80 years ago and can still, just about, raise her leg to her head.
From BBC ● May 2, 2023
A firm drumbeat and dramatic flourishes — castanets, chimes, maracas — added to the grandeur.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 17, 2021
He also played all the instruments: autoharp, kazoo, celeste, bongo drums, castanets, tambourine, three-octave pump organ.
From The New Yorker ● Dec. 12, 2018
The term ‘chaconne’ may come from the sound of the Mexican castanets used to accompany the dance.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
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