glockenspiel
UK[ˈɡlɒkənʃpiːl]US[ˈɡlɑːkənʃpiːl]
n
A musical instrument consisting of a set of tuned metal bars arranged like a keyboard, played with small hammers.
Etymology
The word 'glockenspiel' was borrowed into English directly from German in the early 19th century. In German, it is a compound of "Glocken," meaning "bells," and "Spiel," meaning "play" or "performance." This literally translates to "bell-play," a highly descriptive name for an instrument whose sound resembles that of small bells. The term reflects the instrument's development in German-speaking regions, where it evolved from earlier bell-based carillons into the portable, keyboard-struck metallophone known today.
Analysis
This word is a direct loan from German. It is not productively segmented in English. Its German components are "Glocken" (bells) + "Spiel" (play, game, performance).
Examples
The bright, shimmering sound of the glockenspiel added a magical touch to the orchestral piece.
In the marching band, she was responsible for carrying and playing the glockenspiel.
The composer used the glockenspiel to imitate the sound of twinkling stars in the children's suite.