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 Castanets were originally made from chestnuts and get their name from the Spanish diminutive for chestnut.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

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 • Mar. 18, 2024

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

From BBC • Apr. 5, 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

During her final years, Hayworth pursued her passions for oil painting, playing the castanets and golfing.

From Fox News • Jun. 13, 2021

They heard strange music as they drew near the shack, like somebody playing a rubber band while clacking castanets.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull