Tambours (en. Drums)

[tɑ̃buʁ]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Percussion musical instruments, generally cylindrical, used in various musical genres.

Drums are essential in military music.

Les tambours sont essentiels dans la musique militaire.

Part of certain machines, often cylinder-shaped, that rotates.

The drum of the washing machine is damaged.

Le tambour de la machine à laver est endommagé.

Contraction of the expression 'tambour major', designating the leader of a musical march.

The drum major signaled the start.

Le tambours major a donné le signal de départ.

From old French 'tambour', derived from Italian 'tamburo', itself derived from Arabic 'ṭumbūr'.

to beat the drum

to make noise, to attract attention.

battre du tambour

war drums

to signal an imminent conflict.

tambours de guerre

to drum

to strike a drum or make noise enthusiastically.

tambouriner

drum kit

A set of percussion instruments, including drums.

batterie

tambourine

Small drum often played while held by a handle.

tambourin

snare drum

A type of drum that produces a high-pitched and resonant sound.

caisse claire

To express excitement or enthusiasm.

This party was like drums, full of energy!

Cette fête était comme des tambours, pleine d'énergie!

To fight or be in conflict.

They ended up fighting like drums last night.

Ils ont fini par se battre comme des tambours hier soir.