mbira

American  

[uhm-beer-uh] / əmˈbɪər ə /

Older Use, ambira

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.

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mbira British  

/ əmˈbiːrə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of mbira

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

Compare meaning

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

• mbira vs. kalimba

Example Sentences

For once, the cavernous 1980s drums are swapped for the plucked keys of a Zimbabwean mbira, while a weary Taylor emerges from the ruins of a relationship.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2023

Whether charging on the drum set or playing the hypnotic mbira, Chad Taylor knows where to find Mr. Lewis at his best.

From New York Times • Dec. 6, 2018

Musicians use a mbira, a bamboo marimba, cloud chamber bowls, a chromelodeon, a zoomoozophone — and a cheap clock.

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2016

Musicians use a mbira, a bamboo marimba, cloud chamber bowls, a chromelodeon, a zoomoozophone - and a cheap clock.

From Washington Times • Jun. 1, 2016

Old Takawira sang in a reedy voice as his son played an mbira, a hand piano.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer