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Definition of timbre

timbre

/ˈtæm.bɚ/
tim · bre
Plural:timbres
•
Adjective:timbral
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timbre Lexical Profile

timbre Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The characteristic quality or tone color of a musical sound or voice as distinct from its pitch and intensity, allowing a listener to distinguish between different instruments or voices.

Example

"The warm, resonant timbre of the cello contrasted beautifully with the bright notes of the flute."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for timbre

Word Nuance & Usage

Usually pronounced 'TAM-ber' or 'TIM-ber' in English, timbre is a near-homophone of 'timber' (wood prepared for building); in music and acoustics, timbre refers strictly to the tone color of a sound rather than its pitch or volume.

• Rhymes for timbre

• Nearby Words

timberwolf
timberwork
timberyard
timbre
time
timebomb
timecard

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French timbre, from Old French timbre ('small bell, tambourine, tone'), which ultimately derives from Ancient Greek tympanon ('kettledrum') via Latin tympanum.

Cite this Entry

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