cymbal
Cymbal (noun) means a round, flat metal plate that produces a sharp ringing crash when struck, used in drum kits and orchestras. Example: “The drummer hit the cymbal hard to mark the end of the song.”
How to use cymbal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA metal percussion instrument that makes a loud crashing or shimmering sound when struck.
Don't confuse "cymbal" (the musical instrument) with "symbol" (a sign that represents something) — they sound identical but are spelled and mean completely different things.
Word forms
cymbals plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The drummer hit the _____ hard to mark the end of the song.
Etymology
From Latin cymbalum, from Ancient Greek kumbalon, from kumbe ("bowl") — describing its curved, bowl-like shape.
Frequently asked questions
What does “cymbal” mean?
The word “cymbal” means a round, flat metal plate that produces a sharp ringing crash when struck, used in drum kits and orchestras. In plain terms, a metal percussion instrument that makes a loud crashing or shimmering sound when struck.
How do you pronounce “cymbal”?
“Cymbal” is pronounced SIHM-buhl (/ˈsɪmbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “cymbal” in a sentence?
Here is “cymbal” used in a sentence: “The drummer hit the cymbal hard to mark the end of the song.”
What part of speech is “cymbal”?
“Cymbal” is a noun.
Where does the word “cymbal” come from?
The word “cymbal” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin cymbalum, from Ancient Greek kumbalon, from kumbe ("bowl") — describing its curved, bowl-like shape.
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