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tabla

American

[tah-bluh, tuhb-luh] / ˈtɑ blə, ˈtʌb lə /

noun

a small drum or pair of drums of India tuned to different pitches and played with the hands.

tabla British

/ ˈtɑːblɑː, ˈtʌblə /

noun

a musical instrument of India consisting of a pair of drums whose pitches can be varied

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of tabla

1860–65; earlier tubla < Hindi tablā < Arabic ṭabla, derivative of ṭabl drum

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.

Classical training came early - he learnt tabla alongside vocal training - but so did exposure to popular music.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

In “Murmurs of Time,” Hussain created a kind of tabla concerto.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

He’s worked in hip-hop, noting tabla is a natural — and it is, “Planet Drum” having been an early influence.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla virtuoso and global ambassador of Indian classical music who has died aged 73, leaves behind a timeless rhythmic legacy that will inspire generations.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2024

Her old-lady shoes are keeping time with the tabla, and her eyes are focused only on my hands, face, and feet.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023