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timpani
noun
tim·pa·ni
ˈtim-pə-nē
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.
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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.
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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.
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Dallas News, 24 Feb. 2023
His solo was preceded by a clip of him as a younger man pounding away at timpani.
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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.
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Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023
Liszt indicated that these notes should sound like muffled thumps on the timpani.
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Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
Um, it’s run by a guy, a former TV journalist named Brian timpani.
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Laura Johnston, cleveland, 4 Apr. 2022
The best moments were in tunnels, when the normally quiet mill plays a timpani solo of bass beats.
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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
Dictionary Entries Near timpani
Cite this Entry
“Timpani.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timpani. Accessed 18 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
timpani
plural noun
tim·pa·ni
variants
also tympani
ˈtim-pə-nē
: a set of two or three kettledrums played by one performer
timpanist
noun
-nəst
More from Merriam-Webster on timpani
Nglish: Translation of timpani for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about timpani
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