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

They’ve also allowed people to organize things like court accompaniment, protection for religious services and food drives.

From Salon

The waves lapped a rhythmic accompaniment and, far in the distance, a sea gull cried.

From Literature

For the accompaniment, he is less forgiving: Serve with warm steamed rice.

From The Wall Street Journal

If my friend Alison, who lives alone, makes herself a nice meal, a glass of wine seems an appropriate accompaniment.

From The Wall Street Journal

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