dholl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Specialist/Terminology)Specialist / Technical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “dholl” mean?
An alternative spelling for 'dhol', referring to a large double-headed barrel drum from the Indian subcontinent, traditionally played with sticks or hands.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An alternative spelling for 'dhol', referring to a large double-headed barrel drum from the Indian subcontinent, traditionally played with sticks or hands.
Primarily used in ethnomusicology or cultural contexts to denote this specific percussion instrument. The spelling 'dholl' is less common than 'dhol' and may appear in historical texts, transliterations, or regional writings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage between UK and US English, as the term is a loanword used within specific cultural or academic contexts in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes ethnomusicology, world music, or South Asian cultural heritage.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both corpora. Slightly higher potential frequency in UK English due to larger South Asian diaspora communities and related cultural events.
Grammar
How to Use “dholl” in a Sentence
[Subject] plays the dholl.The [music] features the dholl.The rhythm is provided by a dholl.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dholl” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dholl rhythm was infectious.
- They sought a dholl specialist for the workshop.
American English
- The dholl part was complex.
- He admired the dholl craftsmanship.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in ethnomusicology, anthropology, or cultural studies papers.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used unless in specific community or music enthusiast contexts.
Technical
Used in instrument catalogs, musicology, or sound engineering for world music.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dholl”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dholl”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dholl”
- Misspelling as 'dholle', 'dhole' (which is a type of wild dog).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to dholl').
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun (it is not).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Dhol' is the far more common and standard transliteration. 'Dholl' is a less frequent variant you might encounter.
It is highly unlikely to be understood in general conversation. You would use 'a type of Indian drum' or 'a dhol' if the context allows.
A dholl is a large, double-headed barrel drum played horizontally, often with sticks. A tabla is a set of two smaller hand drums played while sitting.
No, it is exclusively a noun referring to the instrument.
An alternative spelling for 'dhol', referring to a large double-headed barrel drum from the Indian subcontinent, traditionally played with sticks or hands.
Dholl is usually specialist / technical / historical in register.
Dholl: in British English it is pronounced /dəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /doʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a concrete noun referring to an object.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DHOLL' has a double 'L' like the drum has two heads. 'Dh' reminds you it's from another language (like Dhaka).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'The dholl's beat drove the dancers forward.'). HERITAGE IS A SOUND (e.g., 'The dholl carries the sound of the village.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the word 'dholl'?