glockenspiel

noun

glock·​en·​spiel ˈglä-kən-ˌshpēl How to pronounce glockenspiel (audio)
-ˌspēl
: a percussion instrument consisting of a series of graduated metal bars tuned to the chromatic scale and played with two hammers

Illustration of glockenspiel

Illustration of glockenspiel

Examples of glockenspiel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The use of odd sounds, ranging from cloud-chamber bowls to a glockenspiel. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2024 Trumpets spread out around the auditorium; bass notes in the orchestra rose as if from profound depths; enticing melodies came out of nowhere, and piccolos and glockenspiels imagined a wondrous twinkling of night light on Disney’s steel, were the Music Center ever to properly light the building. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2023 In addition to the beer, there’s an art tent, plenty of German food, warm pretzels, cigars, wiener races, a glockenspiel, tribute bands, sand sculptures and many other activities. Marc Bona, cleveland, 2 Sep. 2023 Elsewhere, the hiss of a rain stick underlines footage of atmospheric rivers, and a plodding glockenspiel trails animal migration patterns. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 12 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for glockenspiel 

Word History

Etymology

German, from Glocke bell + Spiel play

First Known Use

circa 1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glockenspiel was circa 1825

Dictionary Entries Near glockenspiel

Cite this Entry

“Glockenspiel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glockenspiel. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

glockenspiel

noun
glock·​en·​spiel ˈgläk-ən-ˌshpēl How to pronounce glockenspiel (audio)
-ˌspēl
: a portable musical instrument consisting of a series of metal bars played with two hammers
Etymology

German, from Glocke "bell" and Spiel "play"

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