Definition

1. Noun:
   • A percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass disk: A cymbal is a musical instrument made of a thin, round, slightly curved piece of metal, typically brass. It produces a loud, crashing, ringing, or shimmering sound when struck with a drumstick, mallet, or when two cymbals are clashed together. Cymbals are a standard part of a drum kit in many music genres and are also used in orchestras, marching bands, and various ensembles.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The drummer hit the crash cymbal at the climax of the song.
  • Orchestral music often requires the precise use of a pair of hi-hat cymbals.
  • The sound of the cymbal reverberated through the concert hall.

Advanced Usage

• "Ride the cymbal": In drumming, to play a steady, rhythmic pattern on the ride cymbal to maintain the tempo and feel of a piece of music.

  • The jazz drummer preferred to ride the cymbal during the swing section.

• "Choke the cymbal": A technique where a drummer strikes a cymbal and then immediately grabs it to stop the sound abruptly.

  • He used a choke on the crash cymbal for a sharp, staccato effect.

Variants and Related Words

• Hi-hat (n): A pair of cymbals mounted on a stand and played with a foot pedal, allowing them to be clashed together.

  • The hi-hat provides a crisp, ticking sound in many rock beats.

• Crash cymbal (n): A type of cymbal designed to produce a loud, explosive crash sound, often used for accents.

• Ride cymbal (n): A larger, heavier cymbal with a more defined, sustained ping sound, used for maintaining rhythm.
• Splash cymbal (n): A very small, thin cymbal that produces a fast, short, splashy sound.
• China cymbal (n): A cymbal with an upturned edge and a distinctive, trashy sound.

Synonyms

• Gong: A large, flat, circular metal disc that is struck with a mallet, producing a deep, resonant sound. (Note: A gong is generally larger, heavier, and has a different timbre than a typical cymbal.)
• Bell: A hollow metal object that rings when struck. (Note: While both are percussion instruments, bells have a more defined pitch compared to the complex, noisy sound of most cymbals.)

Related Phrases

• Cymbal stand: The hardware used to hold and position a cymbal.

  • Make sure the cymbal stand is tightened securely.

• Cymbal swell: A technique where a percussionist uses mallets to create a gradual increase in volume from a cymbal.

  • The piece began with a mysterious cymbal swell.

Related Idioms

• (Not commonly used as a core component in English idioms.)

Noun

1. a percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass disk; makes a loud crashing sound when hit with a drumstick or when two are struck together