glockenspiel
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of glockenspiel
1815–25; < German, equivalent to Glocken bells + Spiel play
Compare meaning
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Explanation
A glockenspiel is a percussion instrument comprised of metal bars that are struck with a hammer. The glockenspiel is common in German music. If you listen to German music and hear a lively instrument that sounds like bells, you've probably heard a glockenspiel. This delightful percussion instrument produces its bell-like sound from metal bars struck with a small hammer. The spiel part is from German for play. The glocken part is German for bells. The glockenspiel has been around since the 1800's and is still used today, especially in Germany. A glockenspiel is similar to a xylophone.
Vocabulary lists containing glockenspiel
National Spelling Bee '14: Prelims Round 2
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Musical Instruments - High School
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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.
The trio are joined by a full band as well by two cellists, four violinists and a glockenspiel.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 20, 2023
Abensberg's town centre is deeply traditional with cobbled streets and a glockenspiel on the town hall.
From BBC ● Nov. 20, 2022
The main musical source, however, is a lightweight glockenspiel, which Goldberg plays with yarn mallets, yielding a softer, more ethereal sound.
From New York Times ● Sep. 15, 2022
While running through the house-floating cue from Pixar’s “Up,” he told the player on his left that the glockenspiel can be a little louder and to try adding a little shimmer.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2022
While each instrument is limited in range to fewer than two octaves, all together, from bass bars to soprano glockenspiel, the ensemble covers six octaves, creating an entire orchestra!
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
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.
