timpani

American  

[tim-puh-nee] / ˈtɪm pə ni /

Or tympani

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a set of kettledrums, especially as used in an orchestra or band.

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timpani British  

/ ˈtɪmpənɪ /

plural noun

1. Often (informal) shortened to: timps.  (sometimes functioning as singular) a set of kettledrums, two or more in number

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timpani Cultural  

1. Italian for kettledrums; the term timpani is often preferred by composers and performers.

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Other Word Forms

• timpanist noun

Etymology

Origin of timpani

< Italian, plural of timpano kettledrum < Latin tympanum < Greek týmpanon

Explanation

Timpani are large drums that are common in most orchestras. Have you ever heard something that sounded like thunder in a song? That's probably timpani! You can also call timpani kettledrums. They're big percussion instruments that can be tuned to specific pitches using a foot pedal, and they're played with soft-headed mallets that professional timpanists usually make themselves. When you're talking about one individual drum, call it a timpano.

Example Sentences

They were placed mid-orchestra, behind the violas and bravely in front of the timpani.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Two men wrestled three large timpani drums up the steps to the space before the altar.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2025

Then, as the trumpets blared and the timpani went wild, a voice broke out from the conductor’s podium.

From New York Times • Apr. 29, 2024

The show in the conservatory’s packed auditorium opened with models in punk attire walking through the auditorium to timpani drumbeats.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2024

The double basses and timpani are rolled in, and helping to wheel in a harp is a woman with a turquoise scarf over blond hair, wearing sunglasses and deep red lipstick.

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper