rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycymbalMetal percussion instrument
noun

cymbal

SIM-buhl/ˈsɪmbl/

A thin, round metal percussion instrument struck to make a ringing or crashing sound.

The drumstick strikes the cymbal’s outer surface.

A single bronze cymbal on a minimal stand, with a wooden drumstick touching its outer playing surface, clearly showing the round metal percussion plate and how it is struck.
Etymology
cymbalGreekcymbal

Greek kymbalon comes from kymbē, meaning 'bowl' or 'drinking cup.' The instrument's name thus connects its rounded metal form with a vessel.

In context

Dudley Performing Arts1:23
if you use the shoulder the stick and hit the cymbal on the edge that's crashing a symbol
Splash, Ride, China, Crash

More examples

  • A bright cymbal crash ended the phrase.
  • Two cymbals clashed together.
  • She adjusted the cymbal stand.

Forms

cymbal · cymbals

Similar words

gong
A gong is usually a larger suspended metal disk with a different shape and sound; a cymbal is a thinner plate.
drum
A drum sounds through a vibrating membrane; a cymbal vibrates as a metal plate.