Which family of instruments does the tambourine belong to?

The tambourine belongs to the percussion family of instruments due to its method of sound production. Percussion instruments create sound when they are struck, shaken, or scraped. The tambourine consists of a circular frame, often made of wood or plastic, with pairs of metal jingles (called zils) attached to it. When the tambourine is hit or shaken, the jingles produce a distinct rattling sound along with the tone created by the frame itself.

In the context of the other families of instruments, the string family is characterized by instruments that produce sound through vibrating strings, like violins or cellos. The woodwind family consists of instruments that make sound when air is blown through, producing vibrations in the enclosed air column, such as flutes or clarinets. The brass family includes instruments that produce sound through the buzzing of lips against a mouthpiece, like trumpets or trombones. None of these processes apply to the tambourine, which firmly aligns with the characteristics of percussion instruments.