Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

chocalho

noun cho·ca·lho \ shüˈkal(ˌ)yü \
variants: or less commonly chucalho

Definition of chocalho

plural -s
: a Brazilian rattle commonly consisting of a gourd with its dried seeds inside or a metal sphere with pellets and used as a rhythm instrument

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of chocalho

Portuguese, cowbell, rattle, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin cloccaculum, from Medieval Latin clocca bell

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up chocalho? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games