timpani

noun

tim·​pa·​ni ˈtim-pə-nē How to pronounce timpani (audio)
variants or less commonly tympani
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a set of two or more kettledrums played by one performer in an orchestra or band

Examples of timpani in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An interlude of golden horns introduced the concerto’s bracing finish, a little ostinato passed between the percussion and the strings, a triumphant theme mounting across the brass, a heroic rumble of timpani. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2024 The repurposed track includes a slightly different vocal performance from Gosling — who still affects the toxic-masculinity tone of the original composition — and myriad bells, a timpani or two, and a cascade of stringed instruments for that Christmas feel. Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2023 The piece explodes on the scene with a virtuoso timpani solo — brilliantly played by principal Brian Jones — with later timpani cameos as well. Dallas News, 24 Feb. 2023 His solo was preceded by a clip of him as a younger man pounding away at timpani. Brad Auerbach, SPIN, 15 Nov. 2023 The tune is more mysterious and rhythmic, with flutes pulsing over a chugging guitar, two dark chords and thundering timpani. Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023 Liszt indicated that these notes should sound like muffled thumps on the timpani. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023 Um, it’s run by a guy, a former TV journalist named Brian timpani. Laura Johnston, cleveland, 4 Apr. 2022 The best moments were in tunnels, when the normally quiet mill plays a timpani solo of bass beats. Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 5 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'timpani.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Italian, plural of timpano kettledrum, from Latin tympanum drum — more at tympanum

First Known Use

circa 1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of timpani was circa 1854

Dictionary Entries Near timpani

Cite this Entry

“Timpani.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timpani. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

timpani

noun plural
tim·​pa·​ni
variants also tympani
ˈtim-pə-nē
: a set of two or three kettledrums played by one performer
timpanist
-nəst
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on timpani

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