rhythm section

American  

noun

Music.

1. band instruments, as drums or bass, that supply rhythm rather than harmony or melody.

2. the group of players in a band who play such instruments.

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rhythm section British  

noun

1. those instruments in a band or group (usually piano, double bass, and drums) whose prime function is to supply the rhythm

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Etymology

Origin of rhythm section

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Radiohead's secret sauce has always been their rhythm section - who manage to locate sinewy, danceable grooves even when presented with their bandmate's most challenging material.

From BBC

The rhythm section remained taut and rigid—live musicians mimicking the curt slap of hip-hop.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The rhythm section was wild and loud. I was immediately grabbed.”

From Salon

Slipshod electric guitars spin like a lazy kite around strident acoustic guitars and a buoyant rhythm section.

From Salon

The band’s set, despite the relentless, strident perfection and power of the rhythm section, wasn’t a quick flow, with fairly frequent darkened-stage breaks between songs.

From Los Angeles Times