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Added 9 October 2026

tambourine

/ˌtæm.bəˈɹiːn/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about tambourine at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A percussion instrument consisting of a small, usually wooden, hoop closed on one side with a drum frame and featuring jingling metal disks on the tread; it is most often held in the hand and shaken rhythmically; by extension, any frame drum.
A tambourine dove (Turtur tympanistria).
A kind of Provençal dance.

verb

To play the tambourine.
To make a sound like a tambourine.

Origin

From French tambourin (“little drum”), from French tambour (“drum”). Ultimately from Arabic طُنْبُور (ṭunbūr); see it and Persian تنبور for more.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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