cymbal

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.

• IPA^(key): /ˈsɪmbəl/, [ˈsɪmbəɫ]

• Audio (US)

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• Rhymes: -ɪmbəl
• Homophone: symbol

A cymbal on a stand.

cymbal (plural cymbals)

1. (music) A concave plate of brass or bronze that produces a sharp, ringing sound when struck: played either in pairs, by striking them together, or singly by striking with a drumstick or the like.
   • 1605–08, William Shakespeare, Coriolanus, Act V, sc. 3:

     The trumpets, sackbuts, psalteries and fifes,

     Tabours and cymbals and the shouting Romans,

     Make the sun dance.

   • 1611, King James Version, 1 Corinthians 13:1:

     Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

   • 1675, John Dryden, Aureng-zebe, Act V:

     Trumpets and Drums shall fright her from the Throne,

     As sounding Cymbals aid the lab'ring Moon.

   • 1881–82, Walt Whitman, The Leaves of Grass, "The Mystic Trumpeter":

     I see the Crusaders' tumultuous armies—hark, how the cymbals clang ...

• china

• cymbalist
• splash cymbal

cymbal c

1. cymbal
2. dulcimer