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

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

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 new rendition echoes that energy with “layers and layers of congas, bongos, triangles, detuned timpani and, like, six different shakers,” said Higham, who drew from percussionist Paul Clarvis’ vast collection of global instruments.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2023

Percussionist Eric Shin’s xylophone was a special treat, as was Jauvon Gilliam’s tension-building timpani.

From Washington Post • Apr. 19, 2023

This tally of instruments, occasionally beefed up by timpani and trumpets, was the template for the classical orchestra as used by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and their contemporaries.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall