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View synonyms for timpani

timpani

or tym·pa·ni

[ tim-puh-nee ]

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)
  1. a set of kettledrums, especially as used in an orchestra or band.


timpani

/ ˈtɪmpənɪ /

plural noun

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

timpani

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

  • ˈtimpanist, noun
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Other Words From

  • timpa·nist noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of timpani1

< Italian, plural of timpano kettledrum < Latin tympanum < Greek týmpanon
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Word History and Origins

Origin of timpani1

from Italian, pl of timpano kettledrum, from Latin: tympanum
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Example Sentences

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

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

A timpani’s rumble rising softly off growling cellos.

Both concertos begin with a rumbling in the timpani, barely the outline of a rhythm, but enough of a motif to inspire developments in the orchestral and violin parts that build to strenuous emotional heights.

The tune is more mysterious and rhythmic, with flutes pulsing over a chugging guitar, two dark chords and thundering timpani.

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