cymbal

[ sim-buhl ]

noun

1. a concave plate of brass or bronze that produces a sharp, ringing sound when struck: played either in pairs, by being struck together, or singly, by being struck with a drumstick or the like.

cymbal

/ ˈsɪmbəl /

noun

1. a percussion instrument of indefinite pitch consisting of a thin circular piece of brass, which vibrates when clashed together with another cymbal or struck with a stick

cymbal

1. A large, round metal plate used as a percussion instrument. Cymbals can be crashed together in pairs or struck singly with a drumstick, and they are used in dance bands, jazz bands, and orchestras .

Derived Forms

• ˈcymbaler, noun
• ˈcymbal-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• cymbal·er cymbal·eer cymbal·ist noun
• cymbal·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cymbal¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English cymbal, cymbala, from Old French cymbale, cymble , and from Medieval Latin cymbalum, from Latin, from Greek kýmbalon, derivative of kýmbos, kýmbē “hollow vessel, cup”

Word History and Origins

Origin of cymbal¹

Old English cymbala, from Medieval Latin, from Latin cymbalum, from Greek kumbalon, from kumbē something hollow

Example Sentences

And, thanks to well-handed treble reproduction, distorted guitars and crashing cymbals in lo-fi and punk songs sounded clear without requiring us to reach for the volume knob to protect our ears.

From Popular-Science

You will hear the thump of kick drums more than might be expected from its 5-inch drivers, while high-end elements like cymbals stay crisp without sounding harsh.

From Popular-Science

Among the oldest known musical instruments are noise-makers—cymbals and tambourines.

From Nautilus

Cymbals were crisp, as were the high-notes on the piano, and other high-end heavy sources were bright without being harsh.

From Popular-Science

On the high end, cymbal hits are crisp and the soprano stylings of Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins sound great without being too sharp.

From Popular-Science

His neck is always craned, ears pricked, waiting for cymbal splash of Art happening.

From The Daily Beast

Heart and conscious were alike cultivated—not alone the sounding brass and tinkling cymbal.

From Project Gutenberg

Conch and cymbal, horn and trumpet spake forth music soft and sweet, In Virata's royal palace, in the peopled mart and street!

From Project Gutenberg

That would certainly account for your bra—— Then, am I a cymbal too, Hilda?

From Project Gutenberg

Duchess in perspective though you be, you will own some day that these are but as a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.

From Project Gutenberg

That power is love, without which though we have all else we are but as "sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal."

From Project Gutenberg