accompaniment

noun

ac·​com·​pa·​ni·​ment ə-ˈkəm-pə-nē-mənt How to pronounce accompaniment (audio)
-ˈkəmp-nē-
1
music : an instrumental or vocal part designed to support or complement a melody
sang the song with a piano accompaniment
2
a
: an addition (such as an ornament) intended to give completeness or symmetry to something : complement
a tie that's a nice accompaniment to his new suit
b
: an accompanying situation or occurrence : concomitant
studied Italian as an accompaniment to her art history class
accompanimental adjective

Examples of accompaniment in a Sentence

She sings without musical accompaniment. A nice tie was a fine accompaniment to his new suit. This dish can be served as an accompaniment to most meat main dishes. This wine is a good accompaniment for spicy foods. She studied Italian as an accompaniment to her classes in art history.
Recent Examples on the Web There’s none of the musical accompaniment of internal combustion. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024 The assortment of green beans, cucumbers, and peppers are a great accompaniment to pâté. Vivienne Peters; Photos By Judy Revenaugh, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024 The rapper recently released a visual accompaniment to the project, perhaps setting the stage for a new chapter. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 Jan. 2024 With her brother and collaborator Finneas O'Connell on the piano and the accompaniment of several string players, the singer-songwriter gave a subtle but powerful performance. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 5 Feb. 2024 Dancers perform behind a screen with musical accompaniment, using only their bodies and simple props for their unique brand of storytelling. Michelle Jenkins, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 All former combatants will receive personal accompaniment, for surveillance purposes. Hazlitt, 24 Jan. 2024 Five great Western apple varieties in the Cameo, Gravenstein, Ida Red, Pink Pearl, and Sierra Beauty. 20 of 25 Salt-and-Pepper Beef Roast Potatoes, baked alongside the beef roast, make a perfectly easy accompaniment. Sunset Magazine, 28 Dec. 2023 The spacious design accommodates an array of cheeses, charcuterie, and accompaniments, while the durable construction ensures longevity. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'accompaniment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

accompany + -ment, on the model of French accompagnement, going back to Old French acompaignement "feudal power-sharing contract," derivative of acompaigner "to accompany"

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of accompaniment was in 1697

Dictionary Entries Near accompaniment

Cite this Entry

“Accompaniment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accompaniment. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

accompaniment

noun
ac·​com·​pa·​ni·​ment ə-ˈkəmp-(ə-)nē-mənt How to pronounce accompaniment (audio)
1
: music played along with a solo part to enrich it
2
: an accompanying object, situation, or event
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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