tambourine /ˌtæm.bəˈɹiːn/noun 4verb 2forms 3 noun4 •A percussion instrument consisting of a small, usually wooden, hoop closed on one side with a drum frame and featuring jingling metal disks on the tread; it is most often held in the hand and shaken rhythmically; by extension, any frame drum. •A tambourine dove (Turtur tympanistria).Tambourines are shy birds and do not tame easily. — 2006 •A kind of Provençal dance. •The music for this dance. verb2 •To play the tambourine. •To make a sound like a tambourine.Rain tambourined on the stately square. — 1995 formstambourined · tambourining · tambourines