glockenspiel

American  

[glok-uhn-speel, -shpeel] / ˈglɒk ənˌspil, -ˌʃpil /

noun

1. a musical instrument composed of a set of graduated steel bars mounted in a frame and struck with hammers, used especially in bands.

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glockenspiel British  

/ ˈɡlɒkənˌspiːl, -ˌʃpiːl /

noun

1. a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned metal plates played with a pair of small hammers

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Etymology

Origin of glockenspiel

1815–25; < German, equivalent to Glocken bells + Spiel play

Compare meaning

How does glockenspiel compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• glockenspiel vs. xylophone

Example Sentences

When Puts reaches for percussion instruments, he chooses the sweeter ones — glockenspiel, crotales, chimes, vibraphone — and combines them luxuriously.

From New York Times

The trio are joined by a full band as well by two cellists, four violinists and a glockenspiel.

From Washington Times

“She was well-educated, quietly brought up, shy, modest and an accomplished player on the glockenspiel.”

From Los Angeles Times

Abensberg's town centre is deeply traditional with cobbled streets and a glockenspiel on the town hall.

From BBC

There’s pointillistic syncopation from marimba, glockenspiel and pizzicato strings, with a backdrop of sustained chords: the ticktock of everyday minutiae held together by the promise of constancy.

From New York Times