accordion

1 of 3

noun (1)

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 3

adjective

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

accordionist

3 of 3

noun (2)

ac·​cor·​di·​on·​ist ə-ˈkȯr-dē-ə-nist also a- How to pronounce accordionist (audio)
plural -s
: an accordion player

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
In order to fully enjoy the pleasures of summer, Lazime’s team installed accordion-style windows above the kitchen counter, which can be opened and moved to one side to create an outdoor bar. — Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026 The top half, visible to those ascending to I-794, is filled by an enormous accordion and the hands playing it, plus giant grapevines. — Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 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 (1) and Noun (2)

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 (1)

1830, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1842, 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 6 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about accordion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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