Search Dictionary
Definition of cymbal

cymbal

/ˈsɪm.bəl/
cym · bal
Plural:cymbals
JUMP TO:

cymbal Lexical Profile

cymbal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A percussion instrument consisting of a slightly concave, circular brass or bronze plate that is either struck against another identical plate or struck with a drumstick to produce a loud, ringing, or clashing sound.

Example

"The orchestral piece reached its dramatic climax with a resounding crash of the cymbals."

Word Nuance & Usage

"Cymbal" (a musical instrument) is a homophone of "symbol" (a mark or sign representing something else) and is frequently confused with it in spelling.

• Rhymes for cymbal

• Nearby Words

cylinder
cylindrical
cylindrically
cymbal
cymbidium
cymbidium orchid
cymru

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'cimbal' and Old French 'cimbale', derived from Latin 'cymbalum', which comes from Ancient Greek 'kýmbalon', based on 'kýmbe' meaning 'bowl' or 'cup'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cymbal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cymbal
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.