strum

²strum

verb

strummedstrum·ming

Definition of STRUM

transitive verb

1

a : to brush the fingers over the strings of (a musical instrument) in playing <strum a guitar>; also : ³thrum 1 b : to play (music) on a stringed instrument <strum a tune>

2

: to cause to sound vibrantly <winds strummed the rigging — H. A. Chippendale>

intransitive verb

1

: to strum a stringed instrument

2

: to sound vibrantly

— strum·mer noun

Examples of STRUM

1. He strummed a tune on the guitar.

First Known Use of STRUM

1777