1. a small wooden or plastic percussion instrument consisting of two shell-shaped pieces held in the palm and clicked together rhythmically, typically used in Spanish dancing

Examples

• The flamenco dancer clicked her castanets in perfect rhythm with the guitar.
• She learned to play castanets during her Spanish dance classes.
• The sound of castanets filled the air as the performers took the stage.
• Traditional Spanish music often features the distinctive clicking of castanets.
• He bought a pair of wooden castanets as a souvenir from his trip to Spain.
• The dance instructor demonstrated how to hold the castanets properly.
• Castanets are typically made from hardwood like chestnut or rosewood.