tambourine

noun

tam·​bou·​rine ˌtam-bə-ˈrēn 

: a small drum

especially : a shallow one-headed drum with loose metallic disks at the sides played especially by shaking or striking with the hand

Illustration of tambourine

Examples of tambourine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There were accordions and tambourines, and a giant fir tree that, one year, toppled under its own weight. —Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026

The percussion does a lot of the heavy lifting, as Skye’s lofty falsetto is paired with slinky tambourines and a pounding kick drum. —Cameron Cook, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2026

The programs are considered Community Sings, so audience participation is encouraged, especially with handheld percussion instruments — think tambourines and maracas — or with songs. —Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2026

Protesters used whistles and tambourines to keep chants loud outside Austin City Hall as passing drivers honked in support. —Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French tambourin, diminutive of tambour

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tambourine

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Kids Definition

tambourine

noun

tam·​bou·​rine ˌtam-bə-ˈrēn 

: a shallow drum with one head and loose metal disks at the sides that is played by shaking or striking with the hand