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Definition of percussionist

percussionist

/pərˈkʌʃənɪst/
per · cus · sion · ist
Plural:percussionists
•
Adjective:percussive
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percussionist Lexical Profile

percussionist Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A musician who plays percussion instruments, such as drums, cymbals, timpani, xylophones, or tambourines, in an orchestra, band, or musical ensemble.

Example

"The orchestra's principal percussionist moved seamlessly between the timpani, snare drum, and marimba during the symphony."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for percussionist

• Rhymes for percussionist

• Nearby Words

percolation
percolator
percussion
percussionist
percussive
peregrine
peregrine falcon

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 19th century from 'percussion' plus the agentive suffix '-ist'. 'Percussion' derives from Latin 'percussio' (a beating or striking), from 'percutere' (to strike hard), combining 'per-' (thoroughly) and 'quatere' (to shake or strike).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Percussionist. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/percussionist
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