Music. The playing of a musical instrument by striking it or by striking two parts together; the sound so produced. Also: the percussion instruments…

Usually plural. In a jazz or dance band, percussion instruments or devices (e.g. wood-blocks, whistles) used to produce a variety of special effects…

The percussion section of an orchestra.

slang. The percussion section of an orchestra; (also) the rhythm section of a band (esp. a jazz band). Cf. battery, n. 17.

An outfit of drums, cymbals, and other percussion devices and accessories used by a drummer in a dance-band, jazz-group, or the like.

= battery, n. 17.