cymbal

[ sim-buhl ]

noun

1. a concave plate of brass or bronze that produces a sharp, ringing sound when struck: played either in pairs, by being struck together, or singly, by being struck with a drumstick or the like.

cymbal

/ ˈsɪmbəl /

noun

1. a percussion instrument of indefinite pitch consisting of a thin circular piece of brass, which vibrates when clashed together with another cymbal or struck with a stick

cymbal

1. A large, round metal plate used as a percussion instrument. Cymbals can be crashed together in pairs or struck singly with a drumstick, and they are used in dance bands, jazz bands, and orchestras .

Derived Forms

• ˈcymbal-ˌlike, adjective
• ˈcymbaler, noun

Other Words From

• cymbal·er cymbal·eer cymbal·ist noun
• cymbal·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cymbal¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English cymbal, cymbala, from Old French cymbale, cymble , and from Medieval Latin cymbalum, from Latin, from Greek kýmbalon, derivative of kýmbos, kýmbē “hollow vessel, cup”

Word History and Origins

Origin of cymbal¹

Old English cymbala, from Medieval Latin, from Latin cymbalum, from Greek kumbalon, from kumbē something hollow

Example Sentences

Along with such contemporaries as Kenny Clarke, Max Roach and Sid Catlett, Haynes helped transform the drums from their traditional time-keeping role into a crisp assemblage of percussion and cymbal sounds designed to keep the music alive and thriving.

From Los Angeles Times

His jaw dropped and his body tensed in wild anticipation of uncompromised joy as he watched his buddies perform, followed by a cymbal crash of a cheer, the sound of eternal youth.

From Los Angeles Times

The theme tune - At the Sign of the Swingin' Cymbal - was rearranged by Barbara Moore in 1970 and is still in use today.

From BBC

It’s like hearing a drum roll — the ball charging down the lane — with no crashing cymbal at the end.

From Los Angeles Times

He grabbed the cymbal with his left hand, struck a syncopated beat with his right, stuck out his tongue and rocked to the rhythm while playing.

From Seattle Times