WordGarden.iotambourine
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈæmbərˌiːn/
US
- /ˌtæmbərˈin/
Meanings
Noun
a handheld percussion instrument with metal jingles, often with a drumhead
Beyond the definition
A tambourine is more than a simple ring with small metal discs. It brings a bright, lively sound to music and is often heard in folk music, church services, parades, and celebrations. People play it by shaking it, tapping it with the hand, or striking the frame or head.
It is usually small enough to hold in one hand, though some versions are attached to drum kits or played with sticks. You might picture a street musician keeping the beat, a choir adding energy to a song, or a child joining in for fun. It is a simple instrument, but it can make a song feel more alive.
The tambourine is a percussion instrument with a round frame and small metal jingles set into the sides. Some have a stretched head like a shallow drum, while others are open in the middle. It can be played in several ways: by shaking it so the jingles sound, by striking the head or frame with the hand, or by using the fingers to create softer rhythmic effects.
For a long time, tambourines have appeared in many parts of the world. They have been used in religious ceremonies, folk traditions, dancing, and public celebrations. Versions of the instrument can be found in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where they often carry a sense of rhythm, ceremony, and shared joy.
Today, the tambourine appears in pop, rock, gospel, country, and many other kinds of music. Sometimes it sits quietly in the background, adding a light shimmer to the beat. At other times, it stands out and drives the whole rhythm forward. Because it is easy to pick up but expressive to play, it is also common in classrooms, group music activities, and casual performances. Whether heard in a concert, a worship service, or a street parade, the tambourine remains a lively and recognizable instrument.
Examples
- 1
School band
She learned to play the tambourine in her school band.
- 2
Rhythm
He kept time with a tambourine while the others sang.
- Patternkeep time with + instrument
play a steady beat with it
- 3
Music class
The teacher brought out drums, tambourines, and maracas for music class.
See also
Similar
- timbrel
Shades of meaning
- jingle ring
Contrast
- drum
- maraca
Used with (collocations)
- play the tambourine
- shake a tambourine
- tambourine player
Explore
- percussion instrument
- frame drum
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- tambourinenoun