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

Fortunately, the Madonna Inn — the visual version of an accordion orchestra — is just three miles away. —Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025

Driven by a repetitive accordion hook, the song has Serduchka marching around the stage in high heels with a big star on her head. —Nick Allen, Vulture, 13 May 2025

Its panels are better looking than the usual accordion wings, consisting of either a white, flat, fabric-like material or clear Plexiglas to let in more light. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 12 May 2025

Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 7 May 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