Definition

Noun: A small, metallic, finger-held percussion instrument, specifically one of a pair worn on the thumb and middle finger. They are played by striking them together to produce a bright, ringing sound and are used to provide rhythmic accompaniment in belly dancing.

Usage

The word "zill" refers to the individual instrument. It is almost always used in the plural form "zills" to refer to the pair worn and played together. * A dancer's skill is often judged by the clarity and complexity of her zill playing. * The music started, and the sound of her zills filled the room.

Examples

• The instructor taught the new students how to hold the correctly.
• You could hear the distinctive of the over the drumbeat.
• She purchased a beautiful pair of brass .

Advanced Usage

• As a collective noun: While "zills" is standard, in some instructional or historical contexts, the singular "zill" can be used to discuss the instrument type.
  • "The Turkish zill typically has a higher pitch than the Egyptian style."

Variants and Related Words

• Finger cymbals: This is a common English synonym for zills, describing their function and how they are worn.
• Sagat (Arabic: صاجات): The common Arabic term for these instruments.

Synonyms

• Finger cymbals

Related Idioms or Phrases

• To play zills: The standard phrase for performing with them.
  • It takes practice to play zills while dancing.

Noun

1. one of a pair of small metallic cymbals worn on the thumb and middle finger; used in belly dancing in rhythm with the dance