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tambor

tam-BOR/tamˈboɾ/

“tambor” means “drum” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

drum

Also: drummer
NounmA1
A classic wooden snare drum with two drumsticks resting on top.

📝 In Action

El niño toca el tambor en la escuela.

A1

The boy plays the drum at school.

Escuchamos el sonido de los tambores a lo lejos.

A2

We heard the sound of the drums in the distance.

El primer tambor de la banda marcó el paso de la marcha.

B2

The band's lead drummer set the pace for the march.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bombo (bass drum)
  • tamborilero (drummer)

Common Collocations

  • tocar el tambor – to play the drum
  • redoble de tambor – drum roll
  • baquetas de tambor – drumsticks

Idioms & Expressions

  • a bombo y platillo – with great fanfare or very publicly

drum

Also: cylinder, drum
NounmB2
A metallic cylindrical drum part from a machine, showing a smooth industrial texture.

📝 In Action

La ropa está atrapada en el tambor de la lavadora.

B1

The clothes are stuck in the washing machine drum.

Este coche todavía tiene frenos de tambor en las ruedas traseras.

B2

This car still has drum brakes on the rear wheels.

La cúpula descansa sobre un tambor octogonal.

C1

The dome rests on an octagonal drum.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tambor de la lavadora – washing machine drum
  • frenos de tambor – drum brakes

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "tambor" in Spanish:

cylinder→drum→drummer→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tambor

Question 1 of 3

Which verb is used correctly with 'tambor' to mean 'to play the drum'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
tamboril(small drum) — Noun
tamborilear(to drum one's fingers) — Verb
tamborrada(drum festival/parade) — Noun
tamborilero(drummer) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Likely from the Arabic 'tunbur', which itself comes from Persian. The word is 'onomatopoeic', meaning it was created to mimic the 'boom' sound the drum makes.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: tambourItalian: tamburo

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'tambor' and 'batería'?

'Tambor' refers to a single individual drum (like a snare drum). 'Batería' refers to a full drum set or drum kit used by a single drummer in a band.

Can 'tambor' refer to a person?

Yes, in specific contexts like military bands or traditional processions, 'el tambor' can refer to the person playing the instrument.

Is 'tambor' masculine or feminine?

It is masculine: 'el tambor' (singular) and 'los tambores' (plural).