To pronounce "cymbal" correctly, start with the "sim" sound, similar to the beginning of "simple." The "b" sound follows immediately, and it ends with a subtle "əl" sound, akin to the "ble" in "table." The stress is on the first syllable, "SIM."
A "cymbal" is a musical instrument in the percussion family, consisting typically of a round, slightly concave thin metal plate, often of brass. When struck with a drumstick, another cymbal, or by hand, it produces a loud, resonant, and sometimes sustained sound. Cymbals are used for rhythm, accent, and color in various musical genres, and they come in several types, including:
The word "cymbal" is derived from the Latin "cymbalum," which comes from the Greek "kymbalon," meaning "a small bowl" or "cymbal." The instrument has ancient origins, being used in various forms in many ancient cultures, including Greek, Egyptian, and Roman civilizations. Cymbals have been crafted from different metals over the centuries and have evolved in shape and size depending on their musical role and cultural context.