A cymbal is a thin, circular metal plate that musicians strike to create a loud, shimmering crash. Cymbals are usually made of brass or bronze, and they can range from the size of a dinner plate to much larger. When hit with a drumstick, crashed together in pairs, or brushed with special wire brushes, cymbals produce sounds that can accent the rhythm, build excitement, or add drama to music.

In an orchestra, crash cymbals punctuate climactic moments in the music with a spectacular clash. A drum set includes several types: the hi-hat cymbals (two small cymbals that clap together with a foot pedal), the ride cymbal (for keeping a steady rhythm), and the crash cymbal (for explosive accents). Watch a rock drummer during an intense song, and you'll see them repeatedly smashing their crash cymbal to emphasize the beat.

Cymbals have been used for thousands of years, appearing in ancient civilizations from Rome to China. Different cultures developed distinct styles: Turkish cymbals sound different from Chinese cymbals, and each type serves different musical purposes.