tambourine

noun

tam·​bou·​rine ˌtam-bə-ˈrēn 

: a small drum

especially : a shallow one-headed drum with loose metallic disks at the sides played especially by shaking or striking with the hand

Illustration of tambourine

Examples of tambourine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All things mini, from charcuterie boards to teacup-sized tambourines, are trending. —Kristen Kidd, Denver Post, 26 Nov. 2025

Moreira is a defining voice in jazz percussion, proficient at instruments ranging from the tambourine to the bongos. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2025

Streets shut down as trumpets, tambourines, and drums echo through neighborhoods, while millions of people adorn themselves in shimmering color to celebrate for days. —Aaron Randolph, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

Not a tambourine, not a brief turn at the piano — nothing. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French tambourin, diminutive of tambour

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tambourine

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Kids Definition

tambourine

noun

tam·​bou·​rine ˌtam-bə-ˈrēn 

: a shallow drum with one head and loose metal disks at the sides that is played by shaking or striking with the hand