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

The percussion ensemble was featured on Bad Bunny’s most recent album and is known for plena, an Afro-Puerto Rican musical genre. —Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025

Backed by a 14-member ensemble featuring brass, percussion, strings and vocalists, the Latin hitmaker’s voice shone with warmth and precision. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2025

Patricia Dash, a member of the Chicago Symphony, offered Jones a percussion scholarship and from there Jones went on to complete a bachelor’s degree at the Depaul School of Music and play for major orchestras in Detroit, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Calgary, Canada. —Matti Gellman, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025

Joey Warnoker’s drumming, TLA’s mix, and Lenny Castro’s percussion all just sent it to the end-zone. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2025

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