kendang

noun

ken·​dang ˈken-ˌdäŋ How to pronounce kendang (audio)
plural kendang also kendangs
: any of various double-headed drums of Indonesia and Malaysia
The kendang is always the leading instrument in gamelan orchestras, regulating tempos and cueing transitions.Jan Laurens Hartong, Musical Terms Worldwide, 2006

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Javanese kendhang, going back to Old Javanese kəṇḍaŋ "kind of drum"

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kendang was in 1913

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near kendang

Cite this Entry

“Kendang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kendang. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!