percussion

noun

per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkə-shən How to pronounce percussion (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The process of flaking involves applying force to the edge of a stone, known as the striking platform, through percussion or pressure to remove portions of the rock, which are called flakes. John K. Murray, The Conversation, 7 May 2025 On her remix, Gou stayed true to the chest-puffing confidence of JENNIE’s original track while revving up the percussion and dance elements of the song with her own special touches. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 11 Apr. 2025 Born and raised in the British Virgin Islands, Harrigan leads 130 Southland College Prep students in five main troops: marching band, wind ensemble, concert band, jazz ensemble and percussion ensemble. Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025 The bass is deep and powerful without overshadowing the lead synth or percussion. PC Magazine, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for percussion

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of percussion was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Percussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/percussion. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

percussion

noun
per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkəsh-ən How to pronounce percussion (audio)
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 How to pronounce percussion (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on percussion

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