percussion instrument

noun

: a musical instrument (such as a drum, xylophone, or maraca) sounded by striking, shaking, or scraping

Examples of percussion instrument in a Sentence

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.
Musicians coped with a byzantine backstage area that felt like a cramped obstacle course, with percussion instruments piled in a corner. Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024 Take five minutes to discover the varied, explosive, resonant sounds of percussion instruments, whether struck, shaken, pounded or scratched. Joshua Barone, New York Times, 11 June 2024 Accompanied by a gamelan (orchestra) of percussion instruments, the art form immerses audiences in rich narratives that can last all night. Karen Gardiner, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2023 Magix bundles a massive 47 Vita virtual instruments that include seven plucked and bowed strings, 22 percussion instruments, nine synthesizers, five keyboards, and more. PCMAG, 30 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for percussion instrument 

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of percussion instrument was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near percussion instrument

Cite this Entry

“Percussion instrument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/percussion%20instrument. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

percussion instrument

noun
: a musical instrument (as a drum, cymbal, or maraca) sounded by striking or shaking compare brass instrument, stringed instrument, woodwind

More from Merriam-Webster on percussion instrument

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!