timbre n. + Add to list US //ˈtɪmbɝ// UK //tˈæmbɐ// tim·bre SynonymsEtymology Synonyms qualitytimbertoneOriginGRKτύμπανον→FRAtimbre→ENtimbre From French timbre, ultimately from Ancient Greek τύμπανον (túmpanon, “drum”). Doublet of tympanum, timpani, timbal, and tymbal.