accompaniment

[uh-kuhm-puh-ni-muhnt, uh-kuhmp-ni-]

noun

1. something incidental or added for ornament, symmetry, etc.

2. Music.,  a part in a composition designed to serve as background and support for more important parts.

accompaniment

/ əˈkʌmpnɪ-, əˈkʌmpənɪmənt /

noun

1. something that accompanies or is served or used with something else

2. something inessential or subsidiary that is added, as for ornament or symmetry

3. music a subordinate part for an instrument, voices, or an orchestra

Other Word Forms

• nonaccompaniment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accompaniment¹

First recorded in 1725–35; accompany + -ment

Example Sentences

There are many sides, such as crab cakes, soup, and more, but I’d rather enjoy the crab with the included accompaniments of coleslaw, garlic rolls and butter.

From Salon

The pair jammed their way through their 2023 collaboration Who Told You, which proved the perfect accompaniment to a beautiful London sunset.

From BBC

“The Young Pope” was a fitting accompaniment to the first Trump era’s dawning, having premiered days before that inauguration.

From Salon

“Lemonade,” Beyoncé’s video album released nearly a decade ago, can be appreciated as a musical masterpiece with an atmospheric video accompaniment.

From Salon

But in most cases, they have been more like orchestral accompaniment.

From Los Angeles Times