percussion instrument

noun

1. a musical instrument, as the drum, cymbal, triangle, xylophone, or piano, that is struck to produce a sound, as distinguished from string or wind instruments.

percussion instrument

noun

1. any of various musical instruments that produce a sound when their resonating surfaces are struck directly, as with a stick or mallet, or by leverage action. They may be of definite pitch (as a kettledrum or xylophone), indefinite pitch (as a gong or rattle), or a mixture of both (as various drums)

Word History and Origins

Origin of percussion instrument¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

When listening to music, the RP-8000F provides focused imaging and precise details, so you hear not just stringed and percussion instruments, but also the nuances of their fretboards and bodies.

From Popular-Science

Until we knew more, we’d play only percussion instruments — outside.

From Science News

The Cubans at night began to sing loudly while hitting some drawers like percussion instruments.

From Washington Blade

The percussion instruments, harp and piano had moved from the back of the stage to nearer the center.

From Science News

Music evolved, he wrote, to promote “group coordination and cohesion, as exemplified by the universal tendency to sing, play percussion instruments, and dance to simple, repetitive music in groups.”

From Nautilus