1. A percussion instrument consisting of a wooden board with metal tines or keys of varying lengths that are plucked with the thumbs to produce musical notes.
Usage: Also called a thumb piano.; Originated in Africa.; Common in world music and contemporary music.

Examples

• She learned to play the kalimba by watching online tutorials.
• The kalimba's gentle, melodic tones filled the concert hall.
• He brought his kalimba to the beach and played relaxing music.
• The kalimba is popular in both traditional African music and modern compositions.
• Children often find the kalimba easy to learn because it requires only thumb technique.
• The musician's fingers danced across the kalimba keys with impressive speed.