accordion

1 of 3

noun (1)

ac·​cor·​di·​on ə-ˈkȯr-dē-ən 

: 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 

noun

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- 

plural -s

: an accordion player

Examples of accordion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The bagpipes are skirling, the accordion swelling, and 200 people are executing dances of genuine technical difficulty, all in white-tie, tartan, and, crucially, flat shoes. — Katherine Pangonis, Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026

Many websites naturally tuck technical specifications, return policies or FAQs into JavaScript pop-ups or expandable accordions to keep the page looking clean for humans. — Narendra Lakshmana Gowda, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 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

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

Phrases Containing accordion

• piano accordion

Rhymes for accordion

• gordian
• edwardian

Kids Definition

accordion

1 of 2 noun

ac·​cor·​di·​on ə-ˈkȯrd-ē-ən 

: 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 

noun

accordion

2 of 2 adjective

: creased to fold like an accordion

accordion doors