Timbre definition

tămbər, tĭm-
timbres
See word origin
Frequency:
The combination of qualities of a sound that distinguishes it from other sounds of the same pitch and volume.
noun
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Distinctive character.

The timbre of the painter's work.

noun
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The characteristic quality of sound that distinguishes one voice or musical instrument from another or one vowel sound from another: it is determined by the harmonics of the sound and is distinguished from the intensity and pitch.
noun
5
2
Timbre is defined as the characteristic quality of tone that makes two voices or sounds different.

An example of timbre is the warm tone of Nat King Cole’s voice.

noun
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
timbre
Plural:
timbres

Origin of timbre

  • French from Old French drum, clapperless bell probably from Medieval Greek timbanon drum from Greek tumpanon kettledrum

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

Timbre Sentence Examples

  • They were in different key, they had a different timbre.

  • The vocal timbre is full of rich bass tones which can become almost hypnotic at times.

  • Remember that real instruments timbre often change with volume.

  • Hence we must put down the quality or timbre as depending on the form.

  • For example observe the tone of your voice, including intonation, timbre, softness, harshness.

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Words near timbre in the Dictionary