accompaniment

American  

[uh-kuhm-puh-ni-muhnt, uh-kuhmp-ni-] / əˈkʌm pə nɪ mənt, əˈkʌmp nɪ- /

noun

1. something incidental or added for ornament, symmetry, etc.

2. Music. a part in a composition designed to serve as background and support for more important parts.

---

accompaniment British  

/ əˈkʌmpnɪ-, əˈkʌmpənɪmənt /

noun

1. something that accompanies or is served or used with something else

2. something inessential or subsidiary that is added, as for ornament or symmetry

3. music a subordinate part for an instrument, voices, or an orchestra

---

Other Word Forms

• nonaccompaniment noun

Etymology

Origin of accompaniment

First recorded in 1725–35; accompany + -ment

Example Sentences

It’s the perfect accompaniment to the sight of Harper and Yasmin, dancing together at a club, relieved to have waved the white flag, at least for tonight.

From Salon • Mar. 1, 2026

Traditional music and drumming also provided an accompaniment to the activities.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

This year brought a late, travel-related cancellation from the gifted pianist Utsav Lal, who inculcates the Indian classical tradition into his accompaniment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

Together, they are trying to understand why the doxology, always sung “in one way and one way only” suddenly has been “pepped up” with an energetic organ accompaniment.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025

Their subdued murmuring, coming from lower down, formed a kind of bass accompaniment to the conversations crossing above their heads.

From "The Stranger" by Albert Camus