mbira

[ uhm-beer-uh ]

noun

1. a traditional musical instrument of Zimbabwe and Malawi, usually consisting of a resonating box to which vibrating metal or wooden strips are attached for plucking.
2. mbila ( def 1 ).

mbira

/ əmˈbiːrə /

noun

1. an African musical instrument consisting of tuned metal strips attached to a resonating box, which are plucked with the thumbs Also calledthumb piano

Word History and Origins

Origin of mbira¹

First recorded in 1905–10; from Shona; marimba ( def ), mbila, thumb piano

Word History and Origins

Origin of mbira¹

Shona