Search Dictionary
Definition of marimba

marimba

/məˈrɪm.bə/
ma · rim · ba
Plural:marimbas
JUMP TO:

marimba Lexical Profile

marimba Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large percussion instrument consisting of a set of wooden keys struck with mallets, equipped with tubular resonators under each key to amplify and deepen the sound.

Example

"The composer included a lively solo for the marimba, allowing its warm, resonant tones to shine above the string section."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for marimba

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with the standard xylophone, but distinguished by its broader wooden keys and the presence of tubular resonators beneath them, which produce a deeper, richer, and more sustained tone.

• Rhymes for marimba

• Nearby Words

marie
marigold
marijuana
marimba
marina
marinade
marinara

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English in the late 18th century from Bantu languages, tracing back to words like the Kimbundu or Swahili 'marimba' or 'madimba', the plural of 'dimba' (a xylophone-like instrument).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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