Tom-tom is a percussion instrument comprised of two cylindrical drums that are played together by beating them with the hands. The word tom-tom is often used interchangeably with the term conga or conga drum because they share similar features and are commonly used in Latin American music. Another synonym for tom-tom is timbale, a percussion instrument used in Afro-Cuban music that produces a higher pitch than tom-toms. Bongos are also sometimes used as a synonym for tom-toms, although they are smaller and have a higher pitch. Regardless of the name used to describe them, these drums play a significant role in many genres of music and are beloved by percussionists around the world.