Quick answer
A symbol stands for something else, such as a dove for peace. A cymbal is the round metal plate a drummer crashes. Memory hook: cymbal starts with c, like clash.
The core difference
A symbol is a sign or object that represents an idea; a cymbal is a percussion instrument.
- symbol — a written character or thing that represents an idea: The dove has long been a symbol of peace.
- cymbal — a round metal plate that makes a crashing ring when struck: The drummer hit the cymbal hard to mark the end of the song.
How to tell them apart
The two words sound the same, so the mix-up is almost always in writing. Ask yourself whether you mean an idea or an instrument. If something can be struck, crashed or clashed, you want cymbal. If it stands for something else, it is a symbol.
A handy trick: cymbal starts with c, like clash, and cymbals clash together. Symbol starts like sign, which is what a symbol often is. The error shows up in music reviews, school essays about literature, and in phrases such as a status symbol.
Frequently asked questions
Are symbol and cymbal pronounced the same?
Yes, they are homophones, so you cannot tell them apart by ear. Only the spelling and the context show which one is meant.
Which word do I use for a drum kit?
Use cymbal. It is the round metal plate on a stand, and the plural is cymbals.
Can a cymbal be a symbol?
Only in the sense that any object can be used as a symbol of something. The word for the instrument is still spelt cymbal.
