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 one works for a variety of occasions thanks to a fit-and-flare silhouette, accordion-pleated skirt, and deep V-neckline. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

Synthesizers, accordion, harmonies — and of course, the charchetas and tololoche that are essential to corridos — are all present, along with a saxophone that gives this creative insanity an even more intense sound. —Natalia Cano, Billboard, 12 Dec. 2025

In Dian, who sometimes doubled on accordion, Plant has a wonderful foil and hearing their voices weave in and out was a delight. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025

Dian brought along her accordion, too. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2025

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

• edwardian
• gordian

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