accordion

1 of 2

noun

ac·​cor·​di·​on ə-ˈkȯr-dē-ən How to pronounce accordion (audio)
: a portable keyboard wind instrument in which the wind is forced past free reeds by means of a hand-operated bellows
accordionist
ə-ˈkȯr-dē-ə-nist How to pronounce accordion (audio)
noun

Illustration of accordion

Illustration of accordion

accordion

2 of 2

adjective

: folding or creased or hinged to fold like an accordion
an accordion pleat
an accordion door

Examples of accordion in a Sentence

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.
Noun
His love for music bloomed early, as Manilow took on the accordion and the piano as a child. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 Like the undulating bellows of an accordion, the pleated sleeves of a satin blouse, known as camisa de ras, rise and fall beneath my hands. — Catherine Tansey, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
Adjective
The freestanding rack has an accordion-style frame that easily unfolds into a multi-tier storage unit—no assembly required. — Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for accordion

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from German Accordion (now Akkordeon), from Accord (now Akkord) "chord" (borrowed from French accord "chord, harmony, accord entry 2") + -ion (as in Melodion, an earlier keyboard instrument, from Melodie melody + -on, probably the Greek neuter noun ending)

Adjective

derivative of accordion entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accordion was in 1830

Phrases Containing accordion

Rhymes for accordion

See All Rhymes for accordion

Browse Nearby Words

according to plan
accordion
accordion file
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accordion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accordion. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

accordion

1 of 2 noun
ac·​cor·​di·​on ə-ˈkȯrd-ē-ən How to pronounce accordion (audio)
: a musical instrument that has a keyboard and a bellows and that produces tones when air is forced past metal reeds
accordionist
-ē-ə-nəst How to pronounce accordion (audio)
noun

accordion

2 of 2 adjective
: creased to fold like an accordion
accordion doors

More from Merriam-Webster on accordion

Nglish: Translation of accordion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about accordion

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