plural accompaniments
1
: music played to support a person who is singing or playing a musical instrument
She sings without musical accompaniment.
—usually singularShe sang the song with a piano accompaniment.
She sang the song to the accompaniment of a piano. [=while a piano played]
2
: something that is added to another thing to make it better or more appealing
A nice tie was a fine accompaniment to his new suit.
especially
: something added to or served with food or a meal
This dish can be served as an accompaniment to/for most meat main dishes.
This wine is a good accompaniment for/of spicy foods.
3
: something that is done or that happens at the same time as something else
She studied Italian as an accompaniment to her classes in art history.
She made the announcement to the accompaniment of loud applause. [=there was loud applause while she made the announcement]
Cite this Entry
“Accompaniment.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/accompaniment. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.
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