timpani

American  

[tim-puh-nee] / ˈtɪm pə ni /

Or tympani

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a set of kettledrums, especially as used in an orchestra or band.

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timpani British  

/ ˈtɪmpənɪ /

plural noun

1. Often (informal) shortened to: timps.  (sometimes functioning as singular) a set of kettledrums, two or more in number

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timpani Cultural  

1. Italian for kettledrums; the term timpani is often preferred by composers and performers.

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Other Word Forms

• timpanist noun

Etymology

Origin of timpani

< Italian, plural of timpano kettledrum < Latin tympanum < Greek týmpanon