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timpani
noun
tim·pa·ni
ˈtim-pə-nē
variants
or less commonly tympani
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a set of two or more kettledrums played by one performer in an orchestra or band
Examples of timpani in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An interlude of golden horns introduced the concerto’s bracing finish, a little ostinato passed between the percussion and the strings, a triumphant theme mounting across the brass, a heroic rumble of timpani.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2024
The repurposed track includes a slightly different vocal performance from Gosling — who still affects the toxic-masculinity tone of the original composition — and myriad bells, a timpani or two, and a cascade of stringed instruments for that Christmas feel.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2023
The piece explodes on the scene with a virtuoso timpani solo — brilliantly played by principal Brian Jones — with later timpani cameos as well.
—Dallas News, 24 Feb. 2023
His solo was preceded by a clip of him as a younger man pounding away at timpani.
—Brad Auerbach, SPIN, 15 Nov. 2023
The tune is more mysterious and rhythmic, with flutes pulsing over a chugging guitar, two dark chords and thundering timpani.
—Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023
Liszt indicated that these notes should sound like muffled thumps on the timpani.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
Um, it’s run by a guy, a former TV journalist named Brian timpani.
—Laura Johnston, cleveland, 4 Apr. 2022
The best moments were in tunnels, when the normally quiet mill plays a timpani solo of bass beats.
—Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 5 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'timpani.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near timpani
Cite this Entry
“Timpani.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timpani. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
timpani
plural noun
tim·pa·ni
variants
also tympani
ˈtim-pə-nē
: a set of two or three kettledrums played by one performer
timpanist
noun
-nəst
More from Merriam-Webster on timpani
Nglish: Translation of timpani for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about timpani
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