percussionist

noun

per·​cus·​sion·​ist pər-ˈkə-sh(ə-)nist 

: one skilled in the playing of percussion instruments

Examples of percussionist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the San Diego imaginative new music series Art of Elan is now taking it to the desert for a special performance led by percussionist Steven Schick at an outdoor theater in Borrego Springs. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Bashiri Johnson was a quiet, brilliant New York percussionist who’d been mentored by James Mtume and played with Madonna, Michael, and Luther. — Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

After a lot of private detective work, Jenn managed to locate Nouela Johnston in Seattle and flew in her and her percussionist, Joe Mengis, to play her songs. — James Gunn, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2026

In 1972, Little Feat expanded to a six-piece that included two Delaney & Bonnie sidemen who were Louisiana natives, bassist Kenny Gradney and percussionist Sam Clayton. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

percussionist

noun

per·​cus·​sion·​ist pər-ˈkəsh-(ə-)nəst 

: a person who plays percussion instruments