tabla

noun

ta·​bla ˈtä-blə 

: a pair of small different-sized hand drums used especially in music of India

Illustration of tabla

Examples of tabla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition, the game will feature a number of tablas, each with 16 squares in a 4×4 grid; the images on each tabla will be a random selection from the 54 images in the deck of cards. — Sanat Pai Raikar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026

This performance, with Khan accompanied by his then-young son, tabla master Zakir Hussain, is a delight. — Steve Hochman, SPIN, 15 July 2026

This year’s Indian Jazz Journey lineup extends beyond the subcontinent with Afghan-American tabla expert Eman Hashimi, who also hails from a long line of masters. — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

On June 12, master musicians explore the intricate rhythms of Indian tabla, the thunderous power of Japanese taiko, and the dynamic energy of an all-women Brazilian percussion ensemble. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu tablā, from Arabic ṭabla

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above