accordion

1 of 2

noun

ac·​cor·​di·​on ə-ˈkȯr-dē-ən 

: a portable keyboard wind instrument in which the wind is forced past free reeds by means of a hand-operated bellows

accordionist

ə-ˈkȯr-dē-ə-nist 

noun

Illustration of accordion

accordion

2 of 2

adjective

: folding or creased or hinged to fold like an accordion

an accordion pleat

an accordion door

Examples of accordion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The traditional norteño sax group, which includes a saxophone, accordion and baja sexto in its ensemble, closed out the showcase with deep romanticism and irresistible energy. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025

Hudson played sax and accordion as part of Roger Waters’ 1990 mega-concert performance of Pink Floyd’s The Wall at the Berlin Wall. —Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025

The sounds of the accordions and drums from their songs continue to soundtrack carne asadas and family parties today. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2025

As the cars took the green flag for Stage 2, Logano’s engine suddenly lagged and caused the entire top line to stack up in an accordion effect. —Jeff Gluck, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from German Accordion (now Akkordeon), from Accord (now Akkord) "chord" (borrowed from French accord "chord, harmony, accord entry 2") + -ion (as in Melodion, an earlier keyboard instrument, from Melodie melody + -on, probably the Greek neuter noun ending)

Adjective

derivative of accordion entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing accordion

• piano accordion

Rhymes for accordion

• edwardian
• gordian

Kids Definition

accordion

1 of 2 noun

ac·​cor·​di·​on ə-ˈkȯrd-ē-ən 

: a musical instrument that has a keyboard and a bellows and that produces tones when air is forced past metal reeds

accordionist

-ē-ə-nəst 

noun

accordion

2 of 2 adjective

: creased to fold like an accordion

accordion doors