marimba

noun ma·rim·ba \ mə-ˈrim-bə \

Updated on: 8 Apr 2018

Definition of marimba

: a xylophone of southern Africa and Central America with resonators beneath each bar; also : a modern form of this instrument

—

marimbist

play \-bist\ noun

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Recent Examples of marimba from the Web

Julia Le played Flight of the Bumblebee on the marimba.

— sarah espedido, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Miss Vietnam Florida 2018:," 3 Apr. 2018
Over what were already speedy tempos, a marimba that sprinted and arpeggiated in double time became a frenetic invitation to party.

— jon pareles, New York Times, "South by Southwest Music Festival: 17 Acts That Stood Out," 18 Mar. 2018
Here it was played on marimba, which of course eliminated both the harpsichord’s singular timbre and its historical associations, leaving a virtuosity that was not enough.

— alan artner, chicagotribune.com, "Ligeti series continues with a lark, a workout and a rare performance," 13 Feb. 2018
Gunn Theater, Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave., S.F. www.sfsymphony.org CNMAT Users Group Presents: Transient Canvas Amy Advocat and Matt Sharrock, bass clarinet/marimba duo.

— chronicle staff report, San Francisco Chronicle, "Classical music and dance listings," 9 Feb. 2018
Christopher Deviney, vibraphone; Christopher McLaurin, marimba; Michael Stern, conductor.

— patrick neas, kansascity, "KC Symphony’s 2018-19 season has an American flourish," 13 Jan. 2018
Within a few minutes of joining, a box popped up and a trill of marimba tones rattled my speakers.

— andrew richdale, GQ, "Praying the Gay Away, One Away Message at a Time," 15 Dec. 2017
Not to get too normie on us, this Blurryface cut features numerous time changes, unexpected marimba tones, and, naturally, rapping.

— billboard staff, Billboard, "The Top 40 Deep Cuts by Popular Rock Bands of the 21st Century: Critic's Picks," 22 Nov. 2017
Directors Brendan Walter and Mel Soria embedded a love story in to the colorful visuals, with Fall Out Boy's more recent sound underscored by an ever-present marimba.

— allison stubblebine, Billboard, "Fall Out Boy Dance For Day of the Dead in Colorful 'HOLD ME TIGHT OR DON'T' Video," 15 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'marimba.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of marimba

of Bantu origin; akin to Kimbundu marimba xylophone

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1704

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MARIMBA Defined for English Language Learners

marimba

noun

Definition of marimba for English Language Learners

: a wooden musical instrument that is similar to a xylophone

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Spanish Central: Translation of marimba Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about marimba

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marimba

Definition of marimba

marimbist

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Origin and Etymology of marimba

MARIMBA Defined for English Language Learners

marimba

Definition of marimba for English Language Learners

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