accompaniment

[uh-kuhm-puh-ni-muh nt, uh-kuhmp-ni-] /əˈkʌm pə nɪ mənt, əˈkʌmp nɪ-/
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.
Origin
1725-35; accompany + -ment
Related forms
nonaccompaniment, noun
Examples from the web for accompaniment
  • During the quietest part of the second movement, a crow cawed in primal accompaniment.
  • The accompaniment for it blended recorded music with live music by the company's chorus and instrumentalists.
  • The crowd stood and sang in accompaniment to the music.
  • The long jump was performed with weights, to the accompaniment of flute music.
  • In our music, accompaniment to singing does not mean a harmonic background to vocal melody, but a partnership in patterns.
  • The personalized service is a great accompaniment to exciting live music.
  • accompaniment is an important part of the flatfoot dance.
  • The table has a built-in amplifier and speakers, and even provides background accompaniment from its digital memory.
  • It may mark the recurrence of a period of increased sun spots, with the invariable accompaniment of increased solar radiation.
  • Chill, if desired, and serve as an appetizer with tortilla chips or as a topping or accompaniment for any dish.
British Dictionary definitions for accompaniment

accompaniment

/əˈkʌmpənɪmənt; əˈkʌmpnɪ-/
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
Word Origin and History for accompaniment
n.

1744, from French accompagnement (13c.), from accompagner (see accompany). Musical sense is earliest.