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.

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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

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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

Tom has reached an age when he can no longer get around the house without an accompaniment of creaks and groans and thuds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 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

To the delight of the crowd, the conductor led his orchestra in “Hail to the Chief,” the traditional musical accompaniment to the entrance of the president.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson