Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 percussion instrument /(pẽr*kŭsh"ŭn ĭn"strŭ*mĕnt)/ · per·cus·sion in·stru·ment · IPA 01 n. A musical instrument which is played by striking, as a drum, cymbal, or xylophone. 1. A musical instrument which is played by striking, as a drum, cymbal, or xylophone.