tamburello
/tam.buˈrɛl.lo/masculine
The Italian word for tambourine is tamburello.
tamburello is a masculine noun referring to the percussion instrument known as a tambourine. When describing the act of playing the instrument, you use the phrase suonare il tamburello, which includes the definite article.
Meaning: percussion instrument (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain areas of Southern Italy, specifically in Calabria and Sicily, the term Tappola is used to refer to a specific type of tambourine.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of tamburello is tamburelli.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable: /tam.buˈrɛl.lo/.
Did you know?
- In many Southern Italian folk traditions, the tamburello is not just an instrument but a rhythmic driver of the 'Taranta' dance, used in rituals to cure spider bites.
- In Italian folk music, the player of the tamburello often uses a specific wrist-flicking technique that differs significantly from the orchestral style taught in English-speaking conservatories.
- The word tamburello is built from the root tamburo, which is the Italian word for 'drum'.
Examples in context
- Tom suona il tamburello.Tom plays the tambourine.This sentence shows how to use the verb suonare with tamburello.Tatoeba #5277477 by Guybrush88, translation #5276546 by Hybrid
- Regalai un tamburello a mio padre.I gave my dad a tambourine as a gift.This sentence shows how to use tamburello when giving something as a gift.Tatoeba #1656474 by Guybrush88, translation #570996 by FeuDRenais
- Il musicista batte sul tamburello.The musician beats on the tambourine.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are organizing a musical performance.
- AlessandroMartina, hai portato il tamburello?Martina, did you bring the tambourine?
- MartinaSì, Alessandro, è qui nella borsa.Yes, Alessandro, it is here in the bag.
- AlessandroOttimo, serve per questa canzone.Great, it is needed for this song.
- MartinaAllora inizio a suonare il tamburello ora.Then I will start playing the tambourine now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tambourine” translations and entries tamburello, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tamburello, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
