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Synonyms

percussive

American  
[per-kuhs-iv] / pərˈkʌs ɪv /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or characterized by percussion.

percussive British  
/ pəˈkʌsɪv /

adjective

  1. of, caused by, or relating to percussion

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonpercussive adjective
  • percussively adverb
  • percussiveness noun
  • unpercussive adjective

Etymology

Origin of percussive

First recorded in 1785–95; percuss(ion) + -ive

Vocabulary lists containing percussive

Dance - Middle School and High School

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

By the third song, Sit Down, Stand Up, they're flexing their musical muscles, with an extended outro of percussive lunacy, aided by US session musician Chris Vatalaro.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

Insults hit her with a knife-like hiss of air; fresh schemes get her charging around to Hildur Guðnadóttir’s tumultuous, percussive score.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025

The music is urgent and highly percussive with small drums, and Mr. Ross’s vibes create alluring propulsion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 21, 2025

Even John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock” — the infectious percussive theme song used during the era — is returning.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2025

There followed percussive thumping as they stepped out and swung the doors shut.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.