hi-hat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Musical
Quick answer
What does “hi-hat” mean?
A pair of cymbals mounted on a stand and played with a foot pedal, used in drum kits.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pair of cymbals mounted on a stand and played with a foot pedal, used in drum kits.
Primarily refers to the percussion instrument. The term can sometimes be used metonymically to refer to the specific sound produced or the playing technique (e.g., a 'tight hi-hat' sound).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and term are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations: a core component of a modern drum kit.
Frequency
Identical frequency within musical contexts. Virtually unknown outside music/drumming in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “hi-hat” in a Sentence
[musician] + [verb: play/use] + the hi-hatThe hi-hat + [verb: sounds/clicks/sizzles]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hi-hat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He hi-hatted his way through the chorus with a crisp rhythm.
American English
- The drummer hi-hatted a steady eighth-note pattern.
adjective
British English
- The track has a great hi-hat sound driving it forward.
American English
- She's known for her intricate hi-hat work on that record.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in retail/music equipment sales.
Academic
Used in musicology, ethnomusicology, and popular music studies.
Everyday
Used only by musicians, drummers, or music enthusiasts.
Technical
Core term in drumming, percussion, audio engineering, and music production.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hi-hat”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hi-hat”
- Spelling as 'high hat' (less standard)
- Confusing it with other cymbals (crash, ride)
- Using it as a non-count noun (e.g., 'a hi-hat' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, hyphenated compound noun: 'hi-hat'.
Yes. While primarily operated by a foot pedal, the top cymbal can be struck with drumsticks for a different sound, known as playing 'on the hats'.
'Closed' means the two cymbals are pressed together by the foot pedal, producing a short, sharp 'click'. 'Open' means they are apart, producing a sustained, sizzling sound when struck.
No, it is a strictly musical term with no common metaphorical or extended meanings in general English.
A pair of cymbals mounted on a stand and played with a foot pedal, used in drum kits.
Hi-hat is usually technical / musical in register.
Hi-hat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ hæt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ ˌhæt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a VERY tall (high) hat made of metal that you hit. It's 'high' (hi) and a 'hat' because it sits on top of a stand like a hat on a head.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOLS ARE LIMBS (The hi-hat is an extension of the drummer's foot/hand).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a hi-hat in a drum kit?