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

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!

Dictionary Entries Near cymbala

Cite this Entry

“Cymbala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cymbala. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!