cymbal

noun

cym·​bal ˈsim-bəl How to pronounce cymbal (audio)
: a concave metal plate (as of brass or bronze) that produces a brilliant clashing tone and that is struck with a drumstick or is used in pairs struck glancingly together
cymbalist
ˈsim-bə-list How to pronounce cymbal (audio)
noun

Examples of cymbal 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 editors will layer cymbals, transition sounds, and tribal screams to accent the actions onscreen. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Feb. 2025 Obviously, no cymbals, nothing worth talking about here in my house at all. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025 Upon entering the song with the title phrase — nearly 40 seconds in, after the fire is lit by some gentle acoustic strumming and atmospheric cymbal brushing — Flack immediately makes the song her own. — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019 Echoing the raw feelings of heartbreak, the album is stripped back, with sparse snares and cymbals in lieu of a full drumkit. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cymbal

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cymbal & Anglo-French cymbele, from Latin cymbalum, from Greek kymbalon, from kymbē bowl, boat

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cymbal was before the 12th century

Rhymes for cymbal

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Browse Nearby Words

cymbal
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Cite this Entry

“Cymbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cymbal. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

cymbal

noun
cym·​bal ˈsim-bəl How to pronounce cymbal (audio)
: a brass plate that is struck with a drumstick or is used in pairs struck together to make a clashing sound
cymbalist
-bə-ləst How to pronounce cymbal (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cymbal

Nglish: Translation of cymbal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cymbal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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