accompaniment

noun

ac·​com·​pa·​ni·​ment ə-ˈkəm-pə-nē-mənt 

-ˈkəmp-nē-

1

music : an instrumental or vocal part designed to support or complement a melody

sang the song with a piano accompaniment

2

a

: an addition (such as an ornament) intended to give completeness or symmetry to something : complement

a tie that's a nice accompaniment to his new suit

b

: an accompanying situation or occurrence : concomitant

studied Italian as an accompaniment to her art history class

accompanimental

ə-ˌkəm-pə-nē-ˈmen-tᵊl 

-ˌkəmp-nē-

adjective

Synonyms

• attendant
• companion
• concomitant
• corollary
• incident
• obbligato

Examples of accompaniment in a Sentence

She sings without musical accompaniment.

A nice tie was a fine accompaniment to his new suit.

This dish can be served as an accompaniment to most meat main dishes.

This wine is a good accompaniment for spicy foods.

She studied Italian as an accompaniment to her classes in art history.

Recent Examples on the Web

Keep in Mind These cloths can be used dry and by themselves or with the accompaniment of liquid cleaners. —Jenna Clark, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2024

Their performance, underscored by the gentle accompaniment of a grand piano and a symphony providing subtle background layers, left the audience in awe — most notably, the host. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 4 Feb. 2024

This emulsified mixture of garlic, olive oil and egg is a classic accompaniment to fish (especially cold fish). —Domenica Marchetti, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

Still, 13 minutes is a long time for any soloist to sustain musical interest on their own, especially when the accompaniment has all the rhythmic spark of a karaoke backing track. —Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 26 Mar. 2024

Each element, its rollout determined by the I Ching, unfolded independently from all others: Singers performed arias unrelated to the instrumental accompaniment, which was unrelated to the scenic and lighting design, as well as stage directions. —Joshua Barone, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024

On Arrakis, the Duke’s remaining soldiers and luggage (including atomics) are delivered, with Gurney playing accompaniment on his Baliset. —Max Evry, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2024

Seventeen-year-old guitar phenom Grace Bowers also gets a moment to shine onstage, providing runway accompaniment. —Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024

Perhaps a tool gift would be the perfect accompaniment. —Nicole Harris, Parents, 16 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

accompany + -ment, on the model of French accompagnement, going back to Old French acompaignement "feudal power-sharing contract," derivative of acompaigner "to accompany"

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing accompaniment

• to the accompaniment of

Kids Definition

accompaniment

noun

ac·​com·​pa·​ni·​ment ə-ˈkəmp-(ə-)nē-mənt 

1

: music played along with a solo part to enrich it

2

: an accompanying object, situation, or event