Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Percussionist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฅ
Add to dictionary

percussionist

[pษ™rหˆkสŒสƒษ™nษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

music performance

A percussionist is a musician who plays percussion instruments, which produce sound through being struck, shaken, or scraped. They play a variety of instruments such as drums, cymbals, and tambourines. In orchestras or bands, the role of a percussionist is crucial for maintaining rhythm and adding texture to the music.

Synonyms

drummer, percussion player, rhythm musician.

Examples of usage

  • The percussionist added a lively beat to the song.
  • During the concert, the percussionist showcased an impressive solo.
  • The band hired a skilled percussionist to enhance their sound.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'percussionist'

The term 'percussionist' traces its roots to the late 19th century, derived from the word 'percussion,' which comes from the Latin 'percussio,' meaning 'a striking or beating.' This Latin term itself comes from 'percutere,' where 'per-' means 'through' and 'cutere' means 'to strike.' As music evolved, the role of musicians specializing in percussion instruments became more defined, leading to the differentiation of the term 'percussionist.' The rise of various music genres such as jazz, rock, and classical led to increased recognition of percussionists as vital contributors to music production, further solidifying the importance of their craft.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,320, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.