noun

vibraphone

VY-bruh-fohn

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Vibraphone (noun) means a percussion instrument with two rows of tuned metal bars, each set over a resonating tube containing a motor-driven rotating vane that produces a vibrato effect. Example: “The jazz trio featured a vibraphone alongside piano and bass.”

noun

music A percussion instrument with two rows of tuned metal bars, each set over a resonating tube containing a motor-driven rotating vane that produces a vibrato effect.

"The jazz trio featured a vibraphone alongside piano and bass."

"She struck the bars of the vibraphone gently with soft mallets."

"The vibraphone's shimmering tone came from the spinning vanes inside its resonators."

How to use vibraphone

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA vibraphone is a metal-barred percussion instrument known for its shimmering, wavering sound.

When to use it

The term is used mainly in music contexts, especially jazz.

Memory tip

The vibra- part of the word points straight to the vibrato sound the instrument is known for.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

xylophone → marimba →

Common pairings

play the vibraphone vibraphone solo vibraphone player vibraphone mallets

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “vibraphone” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The jazz trio featured a _____ alongside piano and bass.

Etymology

The name joins a shortened form of vibrato, describing the wavering effect the instrument produces, with the combining form -phone, relating to sound.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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vibes vibraharp

Rhymes for vibraphone

one bone done gone none tone lone hone cone zone stone phone

See all rhymes for vibraphone →

Frequently asked questions

What is a vibraphone?

It is a percussion instrument with tuned metal bars and motor-driven resonators that give its notes a wavering, vibrato-like sound.

How is a vibraphone different from a xylophone?

A vibraphone has metal bars set over tubular resonators with motor-driven rotating vanes, which give it a sustained, shimmering vibrato. A xylophone lacks those spinning vanes, so its notes ring out plainly, without any wavering.

Why is it called a vibraphone?

Its name reflects the vibrato effect produced by the motor-driven vanes turning inside its resonating tubes.

What is the meaning of vibraphone?

"vibraphone" (noun) means a percussion instrument with two rows of tuned metal bars, each set over a resonating tube containing a motor-driven rotating vane that produces a vibrato effect.