glockenspiel
Americannoun
noun
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:
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
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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.
He was enjoying a hearty free breakfast at a union hall and looking forward to his 12-year-old’s marching band performance in the parade, where she played a glockenspiel.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 7, 2026
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 percussion is especially important — soloist roles for the xylorimba and glockenspiel as well as for the piano and horn, the four protagonists of the piece.
From Seattle Times ● May 27, 2022
For example, if the story introduces a chiming bell, hit a bell or, for more advanced or older students, play a bell peal on the glockenspiel.
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.
