tabla

noun

ta·​bla ˈtä-blə How to pronounce tabla (audio)
: a pair of small different-sized hand drums used especially in music of India

Illustration of tabla

Illustration of tabla

Examples of tabla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This cultural blend has created a new sound, merging Western genres with traditional Arabic instruments such as the nay, tabla, and oud, and distinct Arabic drum patterns and Arabic scales. Sara Ibrahim, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2024 The talk will be followed by a live tabla and dance performance reinterpreting the music of all three films. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024 Her grandmother was a concert producer for major Indian classical musicians like sitarist Ravi Shankar and tabla player Zakir Hussain. Vrinda Jagota, SPIN, 11 Mar. 2024 The expressive tabla player Sharma never speaks a word in the play, but his contribution is significant. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for tabla 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tabla.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu tablā, from Arabic ṭabla

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tabla was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near tabla

Cite this Entry

“Tabla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tabla. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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