Skip to the word

Added 9 October 2026

timbre

/ˈtæmbɹə/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about timbre at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

(music) the distinctive property of a complex sound (a voice or noise or musical sound).
the timbre of her soprano was rich and lovely

Origin

From French timbre, ultimately from Ancient Greek τύμπανον (túmpanon, “drum”). Doublet of tympanum, timpani, timbal, and tymbal.

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

Back to today's word