percussion instrument

[/pərˈkʌʃən ˈɪnstrəmənt/]
nounpl: percussion instruments
instrumento de percussão
1. A musical instrument that produces sound by being struck, shaken, or scraped with hands, mallets, or other implements
The drum is one of the most common percussion instruments used in orchestras.
O tambor é um dos instrumentos de percussão mais comuns usados em orquestras.
2. Any instrument in the percussion section of an orchestra or band
She plays several percussion instruments including timpani, cymbals, and xylophones.
Ela toca vários instrumentos de percussão, incluindo tímpanos, pratos e xilofones.
In Brazilian culture, percussion instruments hold deep significance, particularly in samba, bossa nova, and forró music. The country has a rich percussion tradition with instruments like the surdo, tamborim, and agogô being integral to Carnival celebrations and daily musical life. In the USA, percussion instruments are central to jazz, rock, and orchestral traditions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
drumpercussionbeating instrumentstruck instrument
Antonyms / Antônimos
wind instrumentstring instrumentbrass instrumentwoodwind instrument

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
instrumento de percussão
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
instrumento de percussão
Common in samba and carnival music contexts
São Paulo
instrumento de percussão
Used in classical and contemporary music settings
Portugal
instrumento de percussão
Identical usage; equivalent term in European Portuguese

Related Words

timpanicymbalxylophonemarimbagongvibraphonetrianglesnare drum

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep the beat on a percussion instrument
percussion section
striking a percussion instrument
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