percussion

noun

per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkə-shən How to pronounce percussion (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Everything else about the track sounds clean and present, including the percussion and Lamar and Rihanna's vocals. PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 The massage device is built with a rotating percussion arm and ergonomic multigrip that delivers professional-grade muscle treatments to any achey spots. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024 The show, presented by CMI Entertainment, is on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Buckets N Boards: This upbeat comedy and unique percussion show combines inventive instruments, silly songs with a lot of personality and tap dancing, all performed by a world-touring pair of musicians. Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024 Hyperice percussion guns and compression boots are also available upon request. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for percussion 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of percussion was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near percussion

Cite this Entry

“Percussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/percussion. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

percussion

noun
per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkəsh-ən How to pronounce percussion (audio)
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 How to pronounce percussion (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on percussion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!