cymbal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass disk; makes a loud crashing sound when hit with a drumstick or when two are struck together

WordNet

Cym"bal noun
Etymology
OE. cimbale, simbale, OF. cimbale, F. cymbale, L. cymbalum, fr. Gr. , fr. , , anything hollow, hollow vessel, basin, akin to Skr. kubha pot. Cf. Chime.
Definitions
  1. A musical instrument used by the ancients. It is supposed to have been similar to the modern kettle drum, though perhaps smaller.
  2. A musical instrument of brass, shaped like a circular dish or a flat plate, with a handle at the back; -- used in pairs to produce a sharp ringing sound by clashing them together. ✍ In orchestras, one cymbal is commonly attached to the bass drum, and the other heid in the drummer's left hand, while his right hand uses the drumstick.
  3. A musical instrument used by gypsies and others, made of steel wire, in a triangular form, on which are movable rings.

Webster 1913