Word
cymbal
Phoneticscym·bal, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɪmbəɫ/
UK/sˈɪmbəl/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a thin round metal plate that makes a loud ringing sound when you hit it with a stick. You see it in drum sets in bands and orchestras.
n. a concave metal percussion plate that produces a resonant crashing or ringing tone when struck. Typically mounted on a stand as part of a drum kit or played in pairs in orchestras.
Examples
“The drummer hits the cymbal with a stick.”
“During the final chorus, the drummer hits the cymbal hard to make the ending feel bigger.”
“When the orchestra reached its climax, a single crash of the cymbal cut through the strings and brass with startling clarity.”
Examples
simple
“The drummer hits the cymbal with a stick.”
contextual
“During the final chorus, the drummer hits the cymbal hard to make the ending feel bigger.”
complex
“When the orchestra reached its climax, a single crash of the cymbal cut through the strings and brass with startling clarity.”
Real-World Examples
“The company's cymbals, which have been made since 1623, are prized by everyone from rock-and-roll drummers to percussionists in symphony orchestras.” “The group produces catchy, sometimes expletive-laden pop songs that feature traditional ceng-ceng cymbals, and gamelan, an ensemble from Java and Bali, which they perform in striking costumes and with occasional back-bending moves.” “And you really haven’t lived until you’ve heard the Dies Irae motif savagely intoned on four tubas and the catastrophic ending topped by a line of percussionists simultaneously thwacking cymbals.” “W hat a classic cartoon moment it is when Tom finds his head between the two cymbals Jerry's holding and - classsshhhh!” Etymology
From Middle English cymbal, from Old English cimbal, cimbala and Old French cimbale, both from Latin cymbalum (“cymbal”), from Ancient Greek κύμβαλον (kúmbalon), from κύμβη (kúmbē, “bowl”). See also chime.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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