celesta

noun

ce·​les·​ta sə-ˈle-stə How to pronounce celesta (audio)
chə-
variants or celeste
sə-ˈlest How to pronounce celesta (audio)
chə-
: a keyboard instrument with hammers that strike steel plates producing a tone similar to that of a glockenspiel

Examples of celesta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The orchestra foregrounded glistening timbres of harp, celesta, and vibraphone. — Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 While that demo suite of Helena’s theme was indeed elegant and even infatuated, Williams proved his mastery at classical film scoring by adapting it into every conceivable mode — quiet mystery on celesta, playful wisecracking on muted trumpets — to map perfectly onto the character’s arc. — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

French célesta, alteration of céleste, literally, heavenly, from Latin caelestis

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of celesta was in 1896

Rhymes for celesta

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Cite this Entry

“Celesta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celesta. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

celesta

noun
ce·​les·​ta sə-ˈles-tə How to pronounce celesta (audio)
: a keyboard instrument with hammers that strike steel plates to make ringing sounds

More from Merriam-Webster on celesta

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about celesta

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