choke cymbal

noun

1

: hi-hat

specifically : a hi-hat that is choked after being struck

2

: splash cymbal

The choke cymbal was another of his available weapons that allowed him to unleash a stinging round of bullet-like attacks.

—David Dicaire, Jazz Musicians of the Early Years, to 1945, 2003

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!