beat the drum

phrase

: to proclaim as meritorious or significant : publicize vigorously

beating the drum for their candidate

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of beat the drum was in 1611

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beat the clock

beat the drum

beat the heat

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Style

“Beat the drum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beat%20the%20drum. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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beat the drum

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