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
Currently, Local Color has 25,000 square feet of studio space at two locations for more than 50 artists, including painters, graphic designers and multicultural percussion groups.
—
Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
With their blend of traditional Colombian rhythms — namely cumbia, played with traditional percussion and flute — as well as Latin jazz influences and a dynamic live presence, Rebolú has slowly but surely built their following, culminating with a Tiny Desk performance this year.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 30 Dec. 2025
In 1990, after keyboardist Roger O'Donnell left the band, Bamonte joined as a full-time member, playing both guitar and keyboards, as well as bass and percussion on occasion.
—Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Judges will also present awards for outstanding arrangement, vocal percussion, soloist and choreography.
—Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for percussion
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Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
With their blend of traditional Colombian rhythms — namely cumbia, played with traditional percussion and flute — as well as Latin jazz influences and a dynamic live presence, Rebolú has slowly but surely built their following, culminating with a Tiny Desk performance this year.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 30 Dec. 2025
In 1990, after keyboardist Roger O'Donnell left the band, Bamonte joined as a full-time member, playing both guitar and keyboards, as well as bass and percussion on occasion.
—Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Judges will also present awards for outstanding arrangement, vocal percussion, soloist and choreography.
—Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for percussion
Cite this Entry
“Percussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/percussion. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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