celesta
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of celesta
1895–1900; < French célesta, for céleste, literally, heavenly ( see celestial); the -a for -e makes the name pseudo-Italian
Vocabulary lists containing celesta
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.
Late in the album, “Spirit Showing” features a twinkly keyboard that brings to mind the dusty chime of the celesta, as if the song takes place in a dim space illuminated by candlelight.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
Bell's work leaned on his background in classical music, and he introduced instruments like the celesta, sitar, oboe, bassoon, cor anglais and bells into his rococo arrangements.
From BBC ● Dec. 23, 2022
Feldman’s piece — scored for percussion, celesta, viola, choir and soprano — was an abstract analogue to Rothko’s canvases.
From New York Times ● Feb. 18, 2022
The stops are the knobs on either side — hand-carved from dark pau ferro wood — that allow the organist to replicate different instruments: oboe, flute, trumpet, celesta, etc.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 7, 2022
It is pianissimo, scored for very high tremolo violins, celesta bells, and harp; and I should very much like to know exactly what it means in its present position in the play.
From Shakespeare and Music by Wilson, Christopher
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
