Definition of Membranophone

A membranophone is a type of musical instrument that produces sound primarily through the vibration of a stretched membrane. This membrane can be made of materials like animal skin or synthetic materials, and it is usually struck, rubbed, or otherwise activated to create sound. Common examples of membranophones include drums, tambourines, and certain types of gongs. They are one of the main categories in the Hornbostel-Sachs system of musical instrument classification.