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

The players either dramatically make or subtly avoid eye contact with one another as the song builds to an epic crescendo, complete with eerie chanting, orchestral bombast, and booming timpani drums. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 2026

In Salzburg, Dudamel indulged the Vienna Philharmonic’s incomparable lushness, those plush strings, glowing winds, golden brass, voluminous timpani. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Deep ocean recordings blend with orchestral timpani, distant explosions, vibrations and the recorded buzzing of bees. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Then-current neoclassicism is evident in bright scorings — for double winds and brass, strings and timpani — and patches of contrapuntal business. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian, plural of timpano kettledrum, from Latin tympanum drum — more at tympanum

First Known Use

circa 1854, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for timpani

• abc
• absentee
• addressee
• adoptee
• allottee
• amphorae
• amputee
• apc
• apogee
• appointee
• assessee
• assignee

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

-nəst

noun