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Glite Dictionary
castanet

castanet

3 7.0
A small handheld instrument clicked together to make a sharp rhythm in Spanish dance
  • noun
  • /ˌkæs.təˈnɛt/
translation icon : castañuelas
  • A sultry senorita danced on the bar, ruffled skirt bouncing high, castanets clicking as the cantina applauded.
  • the click of castanets
  • the clack of the castanets
  • the sound of castanets

Examples

  • The dancer skillfully clicked her castanets to keep time with the lively Spanish music.

  • During the performance, the sound of the castanets filled the air, adding rhythm to the flamenco dance.

  • One really needs castanets for that sort of thing.

    The Boys in the Band (1970)

  • I have been known to flick a castanet on occasion, yeah.

    Alex & Emma (2003)

  • May I please play the castanets?

    Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

  • Their movements are to follow the rhythm of the castanets associated with the clicking heels of flamenco dancers.

    Academic text (1992)

  • I enjoyed practicing with my castanets in class, learning to create different rhythms.

Synonyms

castanets
vscastanet
8.3

A pair of small wooden pieces clicked in the hands to make a sharp sound

is the singular form used when speaking of a single small handheld instrument

Surface Forms

castanet singular
castanets plural

Etymology

The word castanet comes from the Spanish word castaña, which means 'chestnut', because early castanets were made of chestnut wood and looked like small nuts or shells. That's why a castanet is a small hand instrument you click together to make a steady beat.