percussion

noun

per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkə-shən 

1

: the act of percussing: such as

a

: the striking of a percussion cap so as to set off the charge in a firearm

b

: the beating or striking of a musical instrument

c

: the act or technique of tapping the surface of a body part to learn the condition of the parts beneath by the resultant sound

2

: the striking of sound on the ear

3

: percussion instruments that form a section of a band or orchestra

percussion adjective

Examples of percussion in a Sentence

He plays percussion for the band.

The marimba is a percussion instrument.

Recent Examples on the Web

This Best of Beauty Award winner comes with several attachments—microcurrent, percussion, cleansing, and LED light therapy—blue light targeting acne, red light targeting fine lines all over, and red light plus-infrared for targeting fine lines specifically around your eyes. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 3 Apr. 2025

Each opening act huddled together at center stage with Mars Volta cramming drums, percussion, saxophone, guitar, bass, keys and two vocalists in an intimate circle that gave its set a theater-centric vibe. —Courtney Devores, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025

The music is thrillingly brought to life by a dynamic onstage band, with poly-rhythmic percussion, bracing brass and the exquisite delicacy of guitar strings. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 20 Mar. 2025

Ambitious and ultra-local, with pummeling percussion and fierce taunts in Nigerian pidgin, the album Rema was nominated for — last year’s Heis — boldly honored his roots and commanded respect. —Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French percussioun, from Latin percussion-, percussio, from percutere to beat, from per- thoroughly + quatere to shake

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing percussion

• on percussion
• percussion cap
• percussion instrument
• percussion section

Rhymes for percussion

• concussion
• discussion
• belorussian
• repercussion
• byelorussian
• kushan
• russian

Kids Definition

percussion

noun

per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkəsh-ən 

1

: the act of tapping sharply

especially : the striking of a percussion cap so as to set off the charge in a firearm

2

: the striking of sound sharply on the ear

Medical Definition

percussion

noun

per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkəsh-ən 

1

: the act or technique of tapping the surface of a body part to learn the condition of the parts beneath by the resulting sound

2

: massage consisting of the striking of a body part with light rapid blows

called also tapotement