marimba

noun

ma·​rim·​ba mə-ˈrim-bə 

: a xylophone of southern Africa and Central America with resonators beneath each bar

also : a modern form of this instrument

marimbist

mə-ˈrim-bist 

noun

Examples of marimba in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sunday, May 10 Moms marvel at melodic midday marimba music: For the conclusion of its 80th anniversary season — and a continuation of its annual Mother’s Day tradition — the St. Paul Civic Symphony is presenting a free concert at 1 p.m. at Landmark Center; 75 W. Fifth St., St. Paul. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026

The concert features guest artist Gregory Beyer, who will show his skills on the marimba and berimbau and play two of his compositions with the ensemble. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026

Sampling gamelan, marimba, mbira, and other idiophones, Friedman summons a microtonal riot of weightless pings that disorients and delights in equal measure. —Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2026

There’s loads of Eighties electro-pop in the music — Depeche Mode, Prince, New Order, Talking Heads, and a synth-marimba solo to make Tears for Fears proud. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

of Bantu origin; akin to Kimbundu marimba xylophone

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

marimba

noun

ma·​rim·​ba mə-ˈrim-bə 

: a musical instrument resembling a xylophone but with tubes under each bar to help increase the sound