tom-tom

noun

ˈtäm-ˌtäm 

ˈtəm-ˌtəm

1

: a usually long and narrow small-headed drum commonly beaten with the hands

2

old-fashioned : tam-tam sense 2

3

a

: something used to make a noise suggestive of the tom-tom's beating

b

: a monotonous beating, rhythm, or rhythmical sound

4

or less commonly tom : a cylindrical two-headed drum of varying size often used in pairs in drum sets

Illustration of tom-tom

• tom-tom 1

Examples of tom-tom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fertile fields that once knew the beat of tom-toms still hold beneath a carpet of blue grass, the bones of an ancient and extinct race. —Bill Frist, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024

In full concentration mode, Agustín handled the bass pedal and toms with aplomb, crossed his hands for some flair, and added some razzle dazzle with the cymbals, without missing a beat. —Leila Cobo, Billboard, 18 June 2023

Each songs’ atmosphere is inaugurated by an extended instrumental piece that builds and builds, as compulsive bass hooks, thunderous toms, haunting guitar lines and swathes of cold synth artfully set the stage for Smith’s ghostly vocal. —Liza Lentini, SPIN, 16 June 2023

The 85% adult tom proportion of the harvest was up two points over 2022 and in line with the average over the last decade, according to the DNR. —Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 10 June 2023

This is another factor that Bunn believes may have led to his friend’s confusion about where the bird was located and how many toms were present. —Russell Worth Parker, Outdoor Life, 11 May 2023

Putting hen and jake decoys is a popular combo, since mature toms are known to try and steal a hen from a subdominant jake. —Nancy Jo Adams, Popular Mechanics, 11 May 2023

This can make the jake appear ‘angry’ and aggressive, possibly causing adult subdominant toms to shy away. —M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 25 Apr. 2023

According to the story which spread with the rapidity of South African tom-tom intelligence, the mechanical man had escaped from Professor May’s control and made his way to the nudist camp. —Merrie Monteagudo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu ṭamṭam

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tom-tom

noun

ˈtäm-ˌtäm,

ˈtəm-ˌtəm

: a usually long and narrow drum commonly beaten with the hands