accordion

Everyday

1. An accordion is a musical instrument you hold in your hands and squeeze in and out; the folding middle part pushes air through reeds while you press keys or buttons. tree →
2. Accordion (before a noun) means folding in zigzags like an accordion: an accordion file, accordion pleats. tree →

In the lessons

Used in music lessons, folk music (Irish, French, German, Ukrainian, Cajun), and in crafts (accordion-fold paper books).

Examples

• Grandad plays the accordion at parties. tree →
• The accordion has keys like a piano on one side. tree →
• A street musician was playing the accordion in Paris. tree →
• We made an accordion book by folding paper in zigzags. tree →
• The music of the accordion filled the dance hall. tree →
• She squeezed the accordion and a jolly tune came out. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: «accordion» ends in «-ion», not «-ian», though the player is an «accordionist». Double «c». A smaller similar instrument with buttons is a «concertina».