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

The driving force of the track is the rhythmic energy that infuses both its lyrics and beats, mixing percussion with horns in a way that feels at once classic and contemporary. —Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 6 Dec. 2024

The physical examination may involve applying heat, cold, or a percussion test. —Laura Schober, Health, 1 Dec. 2024

Thankfully, the Theragun Mini comes to the rescue of weary travelers, offering percussion massage that revs muscles back up to fighting shape. —Matthew Medendorp, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2024

The singing, chanting, and DIY percussion serves to not only symbolically rouse the trees from their slumber but to scare off bugs, blight, and whatever bad spirits might endanger them. —Amiel Stanek, Bon Appétit, 26 Nov. 2024

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

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