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Definition of castanets

castanets

/ˌkæs.təˈnɛts/
cas · ta · nets
Plural:castanets
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castanets Lexical Profile

castanets Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A percussion instrument consisting of a pair of small concave shells of hardwood, ivory, or plastic joined on one edge by a cord, held in the palm and clicked together with the fingers to accompany dancing, especially in Spanish flamenco and folk music.

Example

"The flamenco dancer kept a crisp, rapid rhythm with her wooden castanets as she moved across the stage."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for castanets

• Rhymes for castanets

• Nearby Words

cassowary
cast
castanet
castanets
castaway
caste
caster

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Spanish 'castañetas', a diminutive of 'castaña' (chestnut), from Latin 'castanea', because the hollowed shells resemble a pair of chestnuts.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Castanets. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/castanets
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