tambourine
UK: ˌtæm.bəˈriːn | US: ˌtæm.bəˈriːn
n. a small drum with metal jingles attached to the rim, played by shaking or striking with the hand
tambourine = tambour<drum> + ine<noun suffix>
- tambour: From French tambour (drum), derived from Persian tabīr (drum). The spelling preserves the French form.
- ine: A noun-forming suffix of French origin, often used in musical instrument names (e.g., mandoline).
Etymology Origin:
The word tambourine traces back to the Persian tabīr, which entered French as tambour. The suffix -ine was added in French to denote a smaller or related instrument. The word reflects the instrument’s historical journey from Middle Eastern percussion to European music, evolving in form while retaining its core meaning.
She shook the tambourine rhythmically during the folk song.
The tambourine added a bright, jingling sound to the band’s performance.
He tapped the tambourine lightly against his palm.
Children love playing the tambourine in music class.
The tambourine’s metallic discs shimmered as she danced.