Word
timbre
Phoneticstim·bre, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɪmbɝ/
UK/tˈæmbɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the kind of sound that makes one voice or instrument different from another, even when they play the same note.
n. the distinctive tonal character that distinguishes one voice or musical instrument from another playing the same pitch and loudness.
Examples
“Her voice has a warm timbre that I love.”
“The violin and the flute play the same note, but you can tell them apart by their timbre.”
“Even through the old recording, the cello's dark timbre cuts through the orchestra with a richness no other instrument can match.”
Examples
simple
“Her voice has a warm timbre that I love.”
contextual
“The violin and the flute play the same note, but you can tell them apart by their timbre.”
complex
“Even through the old recording, the cello's dark timbre cuts through the orchestra with a richness no other instrument can match.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “timbre” in context.
Verb
01. affect timbre
“The shape of the mouth can greatly affect timbre in singing.”
verb + noun
02. alter timbre
“Guitarists use pedals to alter timbre during live performances.”
verb + noun
03. describe timbre
“Critics often struggle to describe timbre in words.”
verb + noun
04. distinguish by timbre
“Experts can distinguish instruments by timbre alone.”
verb + prep + noun
05. identify by timbre
“She could identify her teacher by timbre over the phone.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
06. dark timbre
“He favours a clarinet with a dark timbre for Brahms.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. change in timbre
“We noticed a subtle change in timbre when he switched reeds.”
noun + prep + noun
08. difference in timbre
“Listeners can hear a clear difference in timbre between violins.”
noun + prep + noun
09. a rich, warm timbre
“The narrator's rich, warm timbre made the audiobook captivating.”
10. a sudden change in timbre
“A sudden change in timbre signalled his growing tension.”
11. alter the timbre slightly
“Closing the piano lid will alter the timbre slightly.”
12. distinguish voices by timbre
“Conductors must distinguish voices by timbre when casting choirs.”
Etymology
From French timbre, ultimately from Ancient Greek τύμπανον (túmpanon, “drum”). Doublet of tympanum, timpani, timbal, and tymbal.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/timbre