glockenspiel

noun

glock·​en·​spiel ˈglä-kən-ˌshpēl 

-ˌspēl

: a percussion instrument consisting of a series of graduated metal bars tuned to the chromatic scale and played with two hammers

Illustration of glockenspiel

Examples of glockenspiel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The use of odd sounds, ranging from cloud-chamber bowls to a glockenspiel. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2024

Piano notes highlight background galaxies, while background stars ping as notes on a glockenspiel. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 4 July 2026

The final movement of the symphony runs at a gallop, traversing scenes like the overture of a comic opera while the glockenspiel takes the limelight. — Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026

This version used two marimbas, two vibraphones, tuned metal pipes, a glockenspiel, piano and synthesizer. — Lisa Hirsch, San Francisco Chronicle, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

German, from Glocke bell + Spiel play

First Known Use

circa 1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for glockenspiel

• bookmobile
• cochineal
• nonideal
• peroneal
• philomel
• snowmobile
• waterwheel
• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel

Kids Definition

glockenspiel

noun

glock·​en·​spiel ˈgläk-ən-ˌshpēl 

-ˌspēl

: a portable musical instrument consisting of a series of metal bars played with two hammers

Etymology

German, from Glocke "bell" and Spiel "play"