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

Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 1 July 2025

She was joined by her full band, including a trumpet section and accordion, and supported by her keyboardist Albert Menendez singing Maluma’s parts. —Olivia Petty, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025

His love for music bloomed early, as Manilow took on the accordion and the piano as a child. —Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 17 June 2025

The chassis, the metal sleeve that is installed with the accordion side panels, acts like the unit's outer shell. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 12 May 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