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

Massage guns have become ingrained in the post-workout recovery process, with many people reaching for these handheld percussion massagers to knead out sore muscles. —Korin Miller, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026

The Christmas hymn was originally intended for a choir with a string quartet, percussion and piano, but Amato picked out a solo piano version of the piece written by musician Dan Forrest. —Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

Currently, Local Color has 25,000 square feet of studio space at two locations for more than 50 artists, including painters, graphic designers and multicultural percussion groups. —Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025

With their blend of traditional Colombian rhythms — namely cumbia, played with traditional percussion and flute — as well as Latin jazz influences and a dynamic live presence, Rebolú has slowly but surely built their following, culminating with a Tiny Desk performance this year. —Leila Cobo, Billboard, 30 Dec. 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