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kalimba

American  
[kuh-lim-buh] / kəˈlɪm bə /

noun

  1. mbira.


Etymology

Origin of kalimba

1950–55; the instrument's name in a number of Bantu languages of East Africa, e.g., Bisa, Lala (Zambia), Tumbuka, Nyanja (Malawi); marimba

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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 scored the opening scenes, which paint a portrait of the vibrant, thriving Dahomey village, with African pastorale — bouncing a string orchestra along with a gentle groove on regional instruments including kalimba and kora.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2022

Here’s a kalimba, an African thumb piano with metal tines that plink like a music box.

From Washington Post • Aug. 15, 2021

At one point you also hear a kalimba and berimbau and didgeridoo all at the same time.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2019

He’s stepped away from the drums to focus on other instruments, including the bolon, an African harp, and the kalimba, a finger piano.

From Washington Times • Apr. 15, 2017

A woman in white hurries to the door, believing against all reason that she has just heard the ailing President playing a song on the kalimba.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver