percussionist

noun

per·​cus·​sion·​ist pər-ˈkə-sh(ə-)nist 

: one skilled in the playing of percussion instruments

Examples of percussionist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Philip Bailey and his son, Oshunde, have been touring together for the better part of 16 years in Earth, Wind & Fire — the band that Bailey, the insanely groovy singer and percussionist, has been a member of since 1972. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Segovia, a percussionist, has always filled his home with music – playing impromptu concerts for the neighborhood out of open garage doors or inviting friends and fellow musicians over to jam. — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Students carry the legacy forward Among the scholarship recipients is Adolphus McCullum, a percussionist who began private lessons at age 7 and is now a rising senior at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. — Jane Imbody, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026

The Cuban percussionist is being held at Krome Detention Center in Miami-Dade County. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

percussionist

noun

per·​cus·​sion·​ist pər-ˈkəsh-(ə-)nəst 

: a person who plays percussion instruments