1. Plural of gamelan; Indonesian orchestras consisting of percussion instruments such as gongs, metallophones, and drums, often used in traditional music and dance.
Usage: Primarily used in ethnomusicology and cultural contexts; Refers to both the ensemble of instruments and the musicians who play them

Examples

• The museum featured recordings of traditional gamelans from Java and Bali.
• Students learned about gamelans in their world music class.
• The concert showcased several different gamelans, each with its own distinctive sound.
• Gamelans have been central to Indonesian cultural ceremonies for centuries.
• The university's ethnomusicology department maintains a collection of gamelans for research and performance.