percussion

noun

per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkə-shən 

1

: the act of percussing: such as

a

: the striking of a percussion cap so as to set off the charge in a firearm

b

: the beating or striking of a musical instrument

c

: the act or technique of tapping the surface of a body part to learn the condition of the parts beneath by the resultant sound

2

: the striking of sound on the ear

3

: percussion instruments that form a section of a band or orchestra

percussion adjective

Examples of percussion in a Sentence

He plays percussion for the band.

The marimba is a percussion instrument.

Recent Examples on the Web

Barely wide enough to handle a summer crowd of single-lane traffic, pedestrians, and bell-ringing cyclists (not to mention the percussion of Away and Rimowa wheels on the pavement), Commercial Street runs nearly three miles along Provincetown Harbor. —Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026

On June 12, master musicians explore the intricate rhythms of Indian tabla, the thunderous power of Japanese taiko, and the dynamic energy of an all-women Brazilian percussion ensemble. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026

Sánchez himself plays the essential score for solo percussion live in this high-demand screening co-presented by the Chicago International Film Festival. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

In the main room, a collection of guitars, percussion, keyboards, and amplifiers rests across polished wood floors and colorful rugs, while incense lingers in the air. —Steve Appleford, SPIN, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French percussioun, from Latin percussion-, percussio, from percutere to beat, from per- thoroughly + quatere to shake

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing percussion

• on percussion
• percussion cap
• percussion instrument
• percussion section

Rhymes for percussion

• concussion
• discussion
• belorussian
• repercussion
• byelorussian
• kushan
• russian

Kids Definition

percussion

noun

per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkəsh-ən 

1

: the act of tapping sharply

especially : the striking of a percussion cap so as to set off the charge in a firearm

2

: the striking of sound sharply on the ear

Medical Definition

percussion

noun

per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkəsh-ən 

1

: the act or technique of tapping the surface of a body part to learn the condition of the parts beneath by the resulting sound

2

: massage consisting of the striking of a body part with light rapid blows

called also tapotement