percussive

adjective

per·​cus·​sive pər-ˈkə-siv How to pronounce percussive (audio)
1
: of or relating to percussion
especially : operative or operated by striking
2
: having powerful impact
percussively adverb
percussiveness noun

Examples of percussive in a Sentence

The song had a punchy, percussive rhythm.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cymbals and other percussive instruments create the sound of thunder and waves lapping against the ship, while the music ebbs and flows like the tumultuous sea. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 5 June 2025 At his peak, Rich Harrison was an unstoppable percussive force, lacing artists like Amerie and Beyoncé with breathless, stars-shooting instrumentation for some of their greatest hits. Steven J. Horowitz, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 The sound is meant to be just as physical For Virgin, Lorde and Stack emphasized the percussive elements above all else. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025 In one jump-cut scene, the little girl scurries back to the noodle stop through the market while percussive music plays, bursting with fear and excitement at her new illicit hobby. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for percussive

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of percussive was in 1598

Cite this Entry

“Percussive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/percussive. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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