percussive

adjective

per·cus·sive pər-ˈkə-siv

: of or relating to percussion

especially : operative or operated by striking

: 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.

Cox plays a Juno synth bass on the song while his son, George, plays percussive bass. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026 When the ball hit the back of Australia’s net, the roar was so percussive that the stadium press box shook. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 20 June 2026 Walking into the Broadhust Theatre, the first sound that hits you is the percussive clacking of the hand fans. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026 Her music was renowned for incorporating the percussive and melodic instruments unique to her cultural identity. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Percussive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/percussive. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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percussive

adjective

Examples of percussive in a Sentence

Word History

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