tabla

American  

[tah-bluh, tuhb-luh] / ˈtɑ blə, ˈtʌb lə /

noun

1. a small drum or pair of drums of India tuned to different pitches and played with the hands.

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tabla British  

/ ˈtɑːblɑː, ˈtʌblə /

noun

1. a musical instrument of India consisting of a pair of drums whose pitches can be varied

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Etymology

Origin of tabla

1860–65; earlier tubla < Hindi tablā < Arabic ṭabla, derivative of ṭabl drum

Example Sentences

He’s worked in hip-hop, noting tabla is a natural — and it is, “Planet Drum” having been an early influence.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

“Murmurs” is ultimately through with a rousing tabla and drum set dialogue at the end, reminiscent of his father and Shankar’s gripping finales.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

The sleeve notes credit players of the sitar and the tabla, the Kashmiri santoor and the South Indian kanjira.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla virtuoso and global ambassador of Indian classical music who has died aged 73, leaves behind a timeless rhythmic legacy that will inspire generations.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2024

I love the way that the bells on my ankles and wrists keep time to the mathematical rhythm of the tabla drum.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins