cimbalom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2specialist, technical, musical
Quick answer
What does “cimbalom” mean?
A large, chromatic hammered dulcimer of Hungarian origin, played by striking its strings with small mallets.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, chromatic hammered dulcimer of Hungarian origin, played by striking its strings with small mallets.
Often refers to the instrument itself, its unique timbre, and the musical tradition associated with it, particularly in Central and Eastern European folk and classical music.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The instrument is culturally associated with Central/Eastern Europe, and the term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes Hungarian or Romani (Gypsy) folk music, as well as its use by classical composers like Liszt, Kodály, and Stravinsky.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, known primarily to musicians, musicologists, and enthusiasts of folk or classical music.
Grammar
How to Use “cimbalom” in a Sentence
[play] + [the cimbalom][music] + [for cimbalom][soloist] + [on cimbalom]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cimbalom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The piece was expertly cimbalomed, evoking a Transylvanian atmosphere.
American English
- He cimbaloms for a living, touring with a folk ensemble.
adjective
British English
- The cimbalom part is notoriously difficult to execute.
American English
- She has a cimbalom solo in the third movement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology, ethnomusicology, and historical studies of Central European music.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used when discussing specific types of music.
Technical
The primary context. Used in musical scores, instrument catalogues, and discussions of orchestration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cimbalom”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cimbalom”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cimbalom”
- Misspelling: 'cimbalon', 'cymbalom', 'simbalom'.
- Mispronunciation: putting stress on the second syllable.
- Using it as a general term for any dulcimer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are struck string instruments, the cimbalom is played with mallets, has a different tuning system, and lacks a keyboard. It is a precursor to the piano.
Primarily Hungarian, Romanian, Moldovan, and Romani (Gypsy) folk music. It is also used in classical music by composers like Liszt, Stravinsky, and in film scores for an Eastern European feel.
SIM-buh-lom. The stress is on the first syllable.
No, it is a specialist instrument. It appears in specific orchestral works (e.g., Stravinsky's 'Ragtime', Kodály's 'Háry János Suite') but is not a standard member of the symphony orchestra.
A large, chromatic hammered dulcimer of Hungarian origin, played by striking its strings with small mallets.
Cimbalom is usually specialist, technical, musical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word itself.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CIMBALOM is a SIMBAL (cymbal) you PLAY ON, but it's a string instrument with a 'lom' ending like 'random' – a random, unique instrument.
Conceptual Metaphor
The cimbalom is the piano of folk music. / The cimbalom is the heart of the gypsy orchestra.
Practice
Quiz
What is a cimbalom?