What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tambourine
Example
The tambourine player added a lively beat to the song. [tambourine: noun]
Example
She was tambourining along to the music. [tambourining: gerund or present participle]
shaker
Example
The band's percussionist played the shaker during the chorus. [shaker: noun]
Example
She was shaking the maracas, which are a type of shaker. [shaking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shaker is more commonly used than tambourine in everyday language. Shaker is a versatile instrument that can be used in various music genres, while tambourine is less common and is mostly associated with folk or traditional music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tambourine and shaker?
Both tambourine and shaker are informal words that are commonly used in casual conversations and music-related contexts.
