cymbala

plural noun

cym·​ba·​la sim-ˈbä-lə How to pronounce cymbala (audio)
1
: a pair of small cymbals used especially in religious rites of ancient Greece and Rome compare antique cymbals sense 1
2
: a rack of small, diatonically tuned bells that were struck with hammers especially during medieval religious services

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of cymbala was in 1951

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Dictionary Entries Near cymbala

Cite this Entry

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

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