cabasa

noun

ca·​ba·​sa
kəˈbäsə
plural -s
: a percussion instrument made of a hollow gourd enclosed in a net of threaded beads for use in a Cuban band

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Portuguese cabaça, literally, gourd, from Old Portuguese calabazo; akin to Spanish calabaza gourd, Catalan carbassa

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cabasa was in 1948

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Dictionary Entries Near cabasa

Cite this Entry

“Cabasa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cabasa. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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