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.

---

timpani British  

/ ˈtɪmpənɪ /

plural noun

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

---

timpani Cultural  

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

---

Other Word Forms

• timpanist noun

Etymology

Origin of timpani

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From New York Times

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

From Seattle Times

A timpani’s rumble rising softly off growling cellos.

From New York Times

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.

From New York Times