castanets

British  

/ 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

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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 Castanets were originally made from chestnuts and get their name from the Spanish diminutive for chestnut.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.

Example Sentences

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

Rachel Peacock said it "brought a lump to my throat" when the castanets were put in Sara's hand and she started playing them along to the flamenco music.

From BBC • May 2, 2023

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 • Nov. 1, 2022

She claps her hands and the rings on her fingers clack like castanets.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 31, 2018

I secretly bought a pair of castanets and taught myself at least to emulate some of the sounds I heard from above.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers