percussionist

noun

per·​cus·​sion·​ist pər-ˈkə-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce percussionist (audio)
Synonyms of percussionistnext
: one skilled in the playing of percussion instruments

Examples of percussionist in a Sentence

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.
Abetted by the principal percussionist of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Carney slows the Kimbrough cut way down, building a perfect framework for Auerbach. Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 May 2026 Each evening, live music flows from the dining room onto Ocean Drive, where a percussionist, guitarist, and vocalist’s sounds invite diners for an impromptu salsa dance session. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026 The lineup also includes such stellar musicians as keyboardist Larry Goldings, bassist Jimmy Johnson, guitarist Michael Landau, percussionist Luis Conte, horn players Walt Fowler and Lou Marini, and singers Kate Markowitz, Dorian Holley and Andrea Zohn. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026 Drummer Charlie Watts, the group’s newest member, a jazz aficionado and an accomplished percussionist, propelled the music forward with a rock-solid beat. Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for percussionist

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of percussionist was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Percussionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/percussionist. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

percussionist

noun
per·​cus·​sion·​ist pər-ˈkəsh-(ə-)nəst How to pronounce percussionist (audio)
: a person who plays percussion instruments

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