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Definition of timpani

timpani

/ˈtɪm.pə.ni/
tim · pa · ni
Plural:timpani
•
Adjective:timpanic
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timpani Lexical Profile

timpani Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A set of large, tuned orchestral percussion instruments consisting of hemispherical copper or fiberglass bowls with drumheads stretched over the top, played with felt-tipped mallets and capable of producing distinct musical pitches.

Example

"The dramatic crescendo of the timpani signaled the opening movement of the symphony."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for timpani

Word Nuance & Usage

Although "timpani" is historically the Italian plural of "timpano," in English it is commonly treated as both a plural noun (referring to a set of drums) and a singular noun (occasionally generating the informal plural "timpanis").

• Rhymes for timpani

• Nearby Words

timor-leste
timorously
timothy
timpani
tin
tin mine
tin mine falls

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 18th century from Italian timpani, the plural of timpano ("kettledrum"), which derives via Latin tympanum from Ancient Greek tympanon ("drum"), related to typtein ("to strike").

Cite this Entry

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