What does "timbre" mean?

The quality of a sound independent of its pitch and volume.

What is a synonym for "timbre"?

Common synonyms include: clang color, color, coloring, inflection, key, klangfarbe.

//ˈtæmbɹə// noun

noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Noun

1
The quality of a sound independent of its pitch and volume. countable, uncountable
"It was a hard whisper to catch at first, since the grey moustache concealed all movements of the lips, and something in its timbre disturbed me greatly; but by concentrating my attention I could soon make out its purport surprisingly well."
2
(music) the distinctive property of a complex sound (a voice or noise or musical sound) wordnet
3
The pitch of a sound as heard by the ear, described relative to its absolute pitch. countable, uncountable
"When someone speaks after inhaling helium, his voice has a higher timbre. With sulfur hexafluoride, the result is a lower timbre."
4
The crest on a (helmet atop a) coat of arms. countable, uncommon, uncountable
"Quarterly the First quarter Siluer …, The second Siluer a Cheueron gules betweene three Castles Sables And to his timbre vpon his healme, an Elephants head in his proper Colours […]"

"Uncut timbre is a tree full standing."

From French timbre, ultimately from Ancient Greek τύμπανον (túmpanon, “drum”). Doublet of tympanum, timpani, timbal, and tymbal.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.