noun
timbre
Timbre (noun) means the particular character of a sound that lets you tell it apart from another note at the same pitch and loudness.
noun
1
The particular character of a sound that lets you tell it apart from another note at the same pitch and loudness.
"It was a hard whisper to catch at first, since the grey moustache concealed all movements of the lips, and something in its timbre disturbed me greatly; but by concentrating my attention I could soon make out its purport surprisingly well."
— H. P. Lovecraft (1931)
2
How high or low a sound seems to the ear, judged against its true pitch.
"When someone speaks after inhaling helium, his voice has a higher timbre. With sulfur hexafluoride, the result is a lower timbre."
3
In heraldry, the decoration on top of the helmet in a coat of arms.
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Etymology
From French timbre, ultimately from Ancient Greek τύμπανον (túmpanon, “drum”). Doublet of tympanum, timpani, timbal, and tymbal.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of timbre?
"timbre" (noun) means the particular character of a sound that lets you tell it apart from another note at the same pitch and loudness.
What is another word for timbre?
Other words for "timbre" include timber, quality, tone.
What are the different meanings of timbre?
"timbre" has 3 main meanings: 1. The particular character of a sound that lets you tell it apart from another note at the same pitch and loudness; 2. How high or low a sound seems to the ear, judged against its true pitch; 3. In heraldry, the decoration on top of the helmet in a coat of arms.
