noun
musical instrument; music
General term for musical instruments, often used in traditional or festive contexts. Can also refer to music itself.
祭りでは鳴り物がにぎやかに鳴り響いた。
At the festival, musical instruments resounded lively.
歌舞伎の鳴り物には太鼓や笛が含まれる。
Kabuki accompaniment instruments include drums and flutes.
Compound of 鳴り (nari, 'sounding', continuative form of 鳴る) + 物 (mono, 'thing').