timbre

American  

[tam-ber, tim-, tan-br^uh] / ˈtæm bər, ˈtɪm-, ˈtɛ̃ brə /

noun

1. Acoustics, Phonetics. the characteristic quality of a sound, independent of pitch and loudness, from which its source or manner of production can be inferred. Timbre depends on the relative strengths of the components of different frequencies, which are determined by resonance.

2. Music. the characteristic quality of sound produced by a particular instrument or voice; tone color.

3. characteristic tone of expression.

   the masterful rhythm and timbre of his writing.

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timbre British  

/ ˈtæmbə, tɛ̃brə, ˈtɪmbə /

noun

1. phonetics the distinctive tone quality differentiating one vowel or sonant from another

2. music tone colour or quality of sound, esp a specific type of tone colour

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Etymology

Origin of timbre

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English tymbre, from Middle French “clapperless bell, bell rung by a hammer,” from Old French “small drum, drum,” from Latin tympanum “timbrel, drum,” from Greek týmpanon “timbrel, kettledrum, drum”

Explanation

Timbre is a word that describes the tone or unique quality of a sound. If you play the same note on a piano and on a guitar, each note will have its own timbre. Though an electric saw has its own timbre, as does the sound of a tree whooshing through the air, don't confuse timbre with "Timber!," the word you shout when chopping down trees. Timbre comes from the Greek word that means drum, and it is pronounced "TAM-burr," not "TIM-burr." Timber stems from an Old English word for building materials.

Example Sentences

In her best quotable moments, she seamlessly infuses her sometimes shrill timbre with a dash of Southern drawl.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

To start with the familiar: The example I drove at the media event near San Diego last week felt impressively solid and soundly made, with door slams resonating with Honda’s trademark timbre.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Led by the subject matter, he started singing more, his dewy-eyed timbre adding emotional depth to the fragmented, impressionistic soundscapes.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

For those in the cabin, the V12 retains the same gorgeous timbre and temper—maybe a little bit angrier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

Its timbre replaced that of the overhead lights and cast a subtle pall across the citizens in the gallery, who sat looking at one another and at the ceiling.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Related Words

• accent
• inflection
• intonation
• overtone
• resonance
• tonality