accordion

1 of 2

noun

ac·​cor·​di·​on ə-ˈkȯr-dē-ən 

: a portable keyboard wind instrument in which the wind is forced past free reeds by means of a hand-operated bellows

accordionist

ə-ˈkȯr-dē-ə-nist 

noun

Illustration of accordion

accordion

2 of 2

adjective

: folding or creased or hinged to fold like an accordion

an accordion pleat

an accordion door

Examples of accordion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This style blends metal subgenres with traditional sea shanties, accordions — accordions are rare in metal, bear in mind — tin whistles and steel drums. —Sofia Goldstein, SPIN, 2 June 2026

At noon, Nathan and Jessie will perform their unique blend of jazzy folk and blues, with Jessie Andra Smith on a resonator guitar and Nathan Rivera on an accordion. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

Adjective

The freestanding rack has an accordion-style frame that easily unfolds into a multi-tier storage unit—no assembly required. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from German Accordion (now Akkordeon), from Accord (now Akkord) "chord" (borrowed from French accord "chord, harmony, accord entry 2") + -ion (as in Melodion, an earlier keyboard instrument, from Melodie melody + -on, probably the Greek neuter noun ending)

Adjective

derivative of accordion entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing accordion

• piano accordion

Rhymes for accordion

• gordian
• edwardian

Kids Definition

accordion

1 of 2 noun

ac·​cor·​di·​on ə-ˈkȯrd-ē-ən 

: a musical instrument that has a keyboard and a bellows and that produces tones when air is forced past metal reeds

accordionist

-ē-ə-nəst 

noun

accordion

2 of 2 adjective

: creased to fold like an accordion

accordion doors