Definition

Noun: A small percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow, cup-shaped pieces, typically made of metal, that are held between the thumb and a finger of each hand and are clicked together to produce a sharp, ringing sound, often used to accentuate rhythm in dance, particularly in styles like flamenco, belly dance, and other folk traditions.

Usage

Finger cymbals are used by dancers or musicians to create rhythmic accompaniment. They are played by striking the two cups together.

Examples

• The belly dancer's performance was accentuated by the bright, rhythmic of her finger cymbals.
• To learn the complex rhythm, she practiced for hours with her finger cymbals.
• The sound of finger cymbals is a distinctive feature of traditional flamenco music.

Advanced Usage

• "To play finger cymbals": The act of using the instrument.
  • It takes considerable skill to play finger cymbals while dancing.
• Often referred to by specific cultural names in context, such as zills (in Middle Eastern dance) or crótalos (in Spanish music).

Variants and Related Words

• Zills (n): The common name for finger cymbals in Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Greek music and dance.
• Crótalos (n): A Spanish term for finger cymbals, especially in the context of flamenco.
• Sagat (n): The Arabic name for finger cymbals.

Synonyms

• Clappers: A more general term for concussion idiophones played by striking together.
• Castanets: A related percussion instrument, also clicked together in the hand, but typically made of wood and shaped differently.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• "To have finger cymbals for ears": An informal, humorous phrase suggesting someone is very attuned to rhythm or music (Note: This is a creative, non-standard idiom for illustrative purposes of how the word might be used figuratively).
  • As a percussionist, she practically has finger cymbals for ears.

Noun

1. a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance