Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for kalimba. Search instead for kalimbas.

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); cf. marimba


Compare meaning

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


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.

See Examples For:

Playing zither and kalimba, a solar-intense Laraaji unlocked sheafs of astounding, ethereal noise, an unintended, confident rebuke to what had been happening before his arrival.

From New York Times ● Feb. 2, 2024

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

El’Zabar put down strong polyrhythms — sometimes at the drum kit, but more often with kalimba or cajón and a set of bells he attaches to his foot.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 17, 2022

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

From Slate ● Mar. 29, 2019

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

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Just like flashcards, but way more fun

Don't take our word for it. Leave the boring studying behind and join VocabTrainer today. You'll learn even faster and never look back.

Take me to Vocabulary.com