marimba

[ muh-rim-buh ]

noun

1. a musical instrument, originating in Africa but popularized and modified in Central America, consisting of a set of graduated wooden bars, often with resonators beneath to reinforce the sound, struck with mallets.

marimba

/ məˈrɪmbə /

noun

1. a Latin American percussion instrument consisting of a set of hardwood plates placed over tuned metal resonators, played with two soft-headed sticks in each hand

Word History and Origins

Origin of marimba¹

1695–1705; < Portuguese < Kimbundu or a related Bantu language; akin to kalimba

Word History and Origins

Origin of marimba¹

C18: of West African origin

Example Sentences

You can see the proof in the dozens of TikTok videos showing kids who hear the marimba tones of its theme song and come running.

From Time

You'll hear a marimba and dulcimer every so often in this crescendoing collection of stellar four-part harmonies.

From The Daily Beast

In the afternoon we heard marimba-playing; the instrument was called la golondrina and cost the owner forty-three pesos.

From Project Gutenberg

Others assert that the Indians have known the marimba time out of mind, and undoubtedly invented it.

From Project Gutenberg

The Smithsonian Institution contains a good specimen of the Marimba.

From Project Gutenberg

One of their chief instruments is the 'Marimba' or 'Tyanbilo,' a form of harmonium.

From Project Gutenberg

This form of Marimba is also met with amongst the natives of Costa Rica.

From Project Gutenberg