percussion instrument

noun

: a musical instrument (such as a drum, xylophone, or maraca) sounded by striking, shaking, or scraping

Examples of percussion instrument in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Paul teaches guitar and cajon (a Peruvian percussion instrument) at Decatur’s Frank Hamilton School of music and gigs with groups such as Evan Stepp & the Piners. Dustin Timbrook, AJC.com, 28 Jan. 2026 The programs are considered Community Sings, so audience participation is encouraged, especially with handheld percussion instruments — think tambourines and maracas — or with songs. Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2026 While kindergarten through second grade students are equipped with percussion instruments such as shakers to learn basic rhythm lessons, and fifth-graders have wind instruments and xylophones for their music lessons, the third- and fourth-graders didn’t have any instruments. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 Three musicians on stage fulfill the traditional roles of Geddy, Neil and Alex on bass, guitar and drums for a one-on-one replica of Neil Peart’s Rotating Drum KIT with symphonic percussion instruments. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for percussion instrument

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of percussion instrument was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Percussion instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/percussion%20instrument. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

percussion instrument

noun
: a musical instrument (as a drum, cymbal, or maraca) sounded by striking or shaking compare brass instrument, stringed instrument, woodwind

More from Merriam-Webster on percussion instrument

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