NYT Dictionary

MARIMBA

/məˈɹɪm.bə/
Nounmarim-BAmarim-ba · 2 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2023, 2026

Meaning

A percussion instrument with African origins, similar to a xylophone with resonators, but much lower in range and darker in timbre.

Etymology

Origin: Portuguese

From Portuguese marimba, via a Bantu source, perhaps Kimbundu marimba (“xylophone”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

marimbaphonexylophonebatterybellbonescastanetscelestachimeclapperscymbal

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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