Timbre: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Timbre noun. The particular quality of a sound that makes one voice or instrument different from another.
How to say it
TAM-buh/ˈtambə/
2 syllables, stressed on the first (TAM).
Timbre in a sentence
A flute and a violin can play the same note, but their timbre gives them away.
His voice has a husky timbre that suits late-night radio.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- tone
- colour
- quality
- resonance
Where timbre comes from
French, from medieval Greek timbanon, from Greek tumpanon, a drum.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
His voice has a husky _____ that suits late-night radio.
- homage
- timbre
- quodlibet
Show the answer
timbre: His voice has a husky timbre that suits late-night radio.