percussive

1 of 2

adjective

per·​cus·​sive pər-ˈkə-siv 

1

: of or relating to percussion

especially : operative or operated by striking

2

: having powerful impact

percussively adverb

percussiveness noun

percussiveness

2 of 2

noun

per·​cus·​sive·​ness

-sivnə̇s, 

-sēv- also -səv-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being percussive

to his harpsichord style he carries over a pianistic percussiveness

—Saturday Review

Examples of percussive in a Sentence

Adjective

The song had a punchy, percussive rhythm.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Everything else–the percussive jumpscares, the distorted synth stabs, the unintelligible vocal samples–pops in and out at will. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026

The device uses percussive technology to cleanse, depuff, and sculpt your face. — Grace Scollo, InStyle, 31 July 2026

The percussive vibration unclogs impurities and excess sebum while the accompanying massage motion stimulates blood microcirculation and supports lymphatic drainage—exactly the mechanisms Cirino prioritizes in his professional treatments. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

The guests fall silent, listening to a night suddenly made percussive. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1