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percussion instrument
noun
: a musical instrument (such as a drum, xylophone, or maraca) sounded by striking, shaking, or scraping
Examples of percussion instrument in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Along with typical orchestral instruments like the violin and cello were traditional Arabic instruments, like the oud, the zither-like qanun, and the daf, a percussion instrument made of leather stretched over a circular frame, creating a grand spectacle.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 4 Dec. 2024
In the show, a trio of wordless performers, bald and blue-skinned, turn all manner of tubes, drums and other devices into percussion instruments and pull off eye-popping stunts with marshmallows, paint and Cap’n Crunch cereal.
—Doug George, Chicago Tribune, 22 Nov. 2024
Musicians coped with a byzantine backstage area that felt like a cramped obstacle course, with percussion instruments piled in a corner.
—Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024
Take five minutes to discover the varied, explosive, resonant sounds of percussion instruments, whether struck, shaken, pounded or scratched.
—Joshua Barone, New York Times, 11 June 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1872, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of percussion instrument was
in 1872
Dictionary Entries Near percussion instrument
Cite this Entry
“Percussion instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/percussion%20instrument. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
percussion instrument
noun
: a musical instrument (as a drum, cymbal, or maraca) sounded by striking or shaking compare brass instrument, stringed instrument, woodwind
More from Merriam-Webster on percussion instrument
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about percussion instrument
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