noun
tambourine
tam-buh-REEN/ˌtæmbəˈriːn/
A handheld percussion instrument with metal jingles in a shallow frame.
She shakes a tambourine to the beat of the song.
Etymology
Apparently derived from a diminutive meaning “small drum,” the word came to name the jingling hoop drum. The exact transition is uncertain because earlier uses could refer to different instruments.
In context
everyone in the cart joined in a riotous song, jingling a tambourine and whistling.
More examples
- He taps the tambourine against his palm.
- The children play tambourines while their teacher plays the piano.
- The tambourine adds a bright jingle to the chorus.
Forms
tambourine · tambourines