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 disparate components are bound by hefty percussion hits and an angelic vocal sample that sounds like trying to remember a distant memory. —Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026

The latest single’s biting percussion and synth clatter are owed in part to Styles’s longtime producer Kid Harpoon’s growing taste for the bespoke sounds of modular gear. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026

The Marching Warriors is a precision marching band that combines wind, percussion and color guard, according to the Waubonsie Valley Music Department’s website. —Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026

The show includes kahiko hula, which is more traditional, with chanting and percussion, before transitioning to auana, the modern style with music and dancing. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 Jan. 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