percussion instrument

American  

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.

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percussion instrument British  

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)

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Etymology

Origin of percussion instrument

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

A percussion instrument was also designed, with the drum head using the same material as the vessel's sails.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

But for the last year, a vintage percussion instrument has occupied pride of place in the singer-songwriter’s forest green home studio.

From New York Times • Jun. 5, 2023

They would weave through the cemetery with their marimbas — a percussion instrument with a warm sound, similar to a xylophone — between the elevated tombs, playing traditional Latin music.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2022

While working on his electronic projects, which were sometimes scorned by skeptical jazz critics, he continued to perform on the standard acoustic piano, which he called “the most gorgeous and sophisticated percussion instrument ever conceived.”

From Washington Post • Feb. 11, 2021

There was a leather pad called “the beat” that you’d strap to your palm, like a percussion instrument.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah