What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
xylophone
Example
The xylophone player hit the bars with the mallets to create a melody. [xylophone: noun]
Example
She practiced playing the xylophone for hours to prepare for the school concert. [xylophone: noun]
vibraphone
Example
The vibraphone solo added a unique sound to the jazz ensemble. [vibraphone: noun]
Example
He used the pedal to create a subtle vibrato effect on the vibraphone. [vibraphone: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Xylophone is more commonly used than vibraphone in everyday language and is often associated with children's music education programs. Vibraphone is less common but has a unique sound and is often used in jazz and contemporary music genres.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between xylophone and vibraphone?
Both xylophone and vibraphone are formal words that are typically used in musical contexts. However, vibraphone may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with jazz and classical music genres.