percussive

adjective

per·​cus·​sive pər-ˈkə-siv 

1

: of or relating to percussion

especially : operative or operated by striking

2

: having powerful impact

percussively adverb

percussiveness noun

Examples of percussive in a Sentence

The song had a punchy, percussive rhythm.

Recent Examples on the Web

Communicating entirely through percussive movements and sounds and enough slaps to make the Three Stooges envious, the wild-haired creatures mainly seem to be auditioning for their own big-screen spin-off to compete with the Minions. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026

After the last percussive hit, a drum stretched and warped to sound a bit like a robot powering down, comes an ensemble of bell tones, rising like mist at dawn. — Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026

The ThermNeck & Upper Back & Upper Back is a cordless, wearable massager that, at first, looks similar to competitive models but quickly stands out thanks to advanced kneading and percussive massage that targets stiff, swollen muscles. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

In the late aughts, the futuristic cowboys of Mexico’s tribal guarachero boom launched superstars like 3BallMTY and Erick Rincón, laying the percussive foundation for Colombia’s guaracha takeover of the following decade and breakouts like Fumaratto. — Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1