timpani
noun
tim·pa·ni
ˈtim-pə-nē 
variants
or less commonly tympani
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a set of two or more kettledrums played by one performer in an orchestra or band
Examples of timpani in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For the show’s opening cue, as Bass is on a horse trotting behind Confederate soldiers, Dancy used the timpani for the military nod.
—
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 June 2024
An interlude of golden horns introduced the concerto’s bracing finish, a little ostinato passed between the percussion and the strings, a triumphant theme mounting across the brass, a heroic rumble of timpani.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2024
The repurposed track includes a slightly different vocal performance from Gosling — who still affects the toxic-masculinity tone of the original composition — and myriad bells, a timpani or two, and a cascade of stringed instruments for that Christmas feel.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2023
The piece explodes on the scene with a virtuoso timpani solo — brilliantly played by principal Brian Jones — with later timpani cameos as well.
—Dallas News, 24 Feb. 2023
See all Example Sentences for timpani 
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 June 2024
An interlude of golden horns introduced the concerto’s bracing finish, a little ostinato passed between the percussion and the strings, a triumphant theme mounting across the brass, a heroic rumble of timpani.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2024
The repurposed track includes a slightly different vocal performance from Gosling — who still affects the toxic-masculinity tone of the original composition — and myriad bells, a timpani or two, and a cascade of stringed instruments for that Christmas feel.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2023
The piece explodes on the scene with a virtuoso timpani solo — brilliantly played by principal Brian Jones — with later timpani cameos as well.
—Dallas News, 24 Feb. 2023
See all Example Sentences for timpani
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'timpani.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Timpani.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timpani. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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