accompaniment

[ uh-kuhm-puh-ni-muhnt, uh-kuhmp-ni- ]

noun

1. something incidental or added for ornament, symmetry, etc.
2. Music. a part in a composition designed to serve as background and support for more important parts.

accompaniment

/ əˈkʌmpnɪ-; əˈkʌmpənɪmənt /

noun

1. something that accompanies or is served or used with something else
2. something inessential or subsidiary that is added, as for ornament or symmetry
3. music a subordinate part for an instrument, voices, or an orchestra

Other Words From

• nonac·compa·ni·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accompaniment¹

First recorded in 1725–35; accompany + -ment

Example Sentences

The 65-minute film will premiere Saturday at Walt Disney Concert Hall with live accompaniment by the Los Angeles Master Chorale and members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic as part of the Noon to Midnight daylong festival of new music.

From Los Angeles Times

With 1973’s “Dark Side of the Moon” and 1979’s “The Wall” collectively selling more than 80 million albums worldwide, the band’s evocative, provocative lyrics and trippy, sometimes pointed and painful video and visual accompaniment are as heady as Floyd’s singular sound.

From Los Angeles Times

Ditto the indictment of universal war culture “In Any Tongue,” the song’s animated accompaniment heartbreaking, Gilmour’s tasteful use of his tremolo bar giving the song an aura both haunted and haunting.

From Los Angeles Times

Steakhouse classics like tartare and carpaccio, along with seafood options such as raw oysters, sea bass crudo and scallops, are all available as appetizers.Be sure to try the veal croquette, served with a three-mustard tasting accompaniment, for a perfectly balanced bite.

From Salon

The live musical accompaniment of Luke Wygodny, who falls into perfect time with the actors, no matter what instrument he picks up, draws out the lyricism of the writing.

From Los Angeles Times