adj

percussive

puh-KUH-sihv

Percussive (adj) means relating to or resembling the sharp, rhythmic sound of striking or pounding. Example: “The song opens with a percussive drumbeat.”

adj

Relating to or resembling the sharp, rhythmic sound of striking or pounding.

"The song opens with a percussive drumbeat."

"His typing had a percussive quality that annoyed his officemates."

How to use percussive

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes something with a sharp, beating, drum-like quality.

Common pairings

percussive sound percussive rhythm percussive beat

Word forms

more percussive comparative, percussives plural, most percussive superlative

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Fill the gap

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The song opens with a _____ drumbeat.

Etymology

Formed from "percuss" (to strike) plus the adjective suffix "-ive".

Rhymes for percussive

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

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Frequently asked questions

What does “percussive” mean?

The word “percussive” means relating to or resembling the sharp, rhythmic sound of striking or pounding. In plain terms, describes something with a sharp, beating, drum-like quality.

How do you pronounce “percussive”?

“Percussive” is pronounced puh-KUH-sihv (/pɚˈkʌsɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “percussive” in a sentence?

Here is “percussive” used in a sentence: “The song opens with a percussive drumbeat.”

What part of speech is “percussive”?

“Percussive” is an adjective.