SINCE 1828
drum
noun (1)
\ ˈdrəm
\
\
Definition of drum
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow shell or cylinder with a drumhead stretched over one or both ends that is beaten with the hands or with some implement (such as a stick or wire brush)
3
: the sound of a drum
also
: a sound similar to that of a drum
4
: any of various chiefly marine bony fishes (family Sciaenidae) that make a drumming or croaking noise using their air bladder and associated muscles
5
: something resembling a drum in shape: such as
a(1)
: any of the cylindrical blocks that form the shaft of a column
(2)
: a round wall or structure that supports a dome
b
: a cylindrical machine or mechanical device or part
c
: a cylindrical container
specifically
: a large usually metal container for liquids
a 55-gallon drum
d
: a disk-shaped magazine for an automatic weapon
drum
verb
drummed;
drumming
Definition of drum (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: to make a succession of strokes or vibrations that produce sounds like drumbeats
2
: to beat a drum
3
: to throb or sound rhythmically
4
: to stir up interest : solicit
1
: to summon or enlist by or as if by beating a drum
were drummed into service
2
: to dismiss ignominiously : expel
—usually used with out
3
: to drive or force by steady effort or reiteration
drummed the speech into her head
4a
: to strike or tap repeatedly
b
: to produce (rhythmic sounds) by such action
drum
noun (2)Definition of drum (Entry 3 of 3)
1
chiefly Scotland
: a long narrow hill or ridge
2
: drumlin
Illustration of drum
Noun (1)
1drum 1: 1 bass, 2 snare (orchestra), 3 snare (parade)
In the meaning defined above
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from drum
Noun (1)
drumlike
\ ˈdrəm-ˌlīk
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of drum in a Sentence
Verb
She drummed while he played the guitar. Her fingers drummed nervously on the table. He was nervously drumming a pencil on the desk.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for drum
drum
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of drum
: to beat or play a drum or set of drums
: to make a sound by hitting a surface over and over again
See the full definition for drum in the English Language Learners Dictionary
drum
noun
\ ˈdrəm
\
\
Kids Definition of drum
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a musical instrument usually consisting of a metal or wooden round frame with flat ends covered by tightly stretched skin
2
: a tapping sound : a sound of or like a drum
the drum of raindrops
3
: an object shaped like a cylinder
an oil drum
drum
verb
drummed;
drumming
Kids Definition of drum (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to beat or play a drum
2
: to make a tapping sound : make a sound like a drum
The rain drummed on the roof.
3
: to beat or tap in a rhythmic way
She drummed her fingers.
drum into
drum out of
drum up
: to force (something) to be learned by repeating it over and over
She drummed the lesson into our heads.
: to force to leave (a place or organization)
They drummed him out of the club.
: to gather or create by hard work
We need to drum up new business.
drum
noun
\ ˈdrəm
\
\
Medical Definition of drum
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on drum
What made you want to look up drum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Finance Words Quiz
-
- The etymology of mortgage is related most closely to which two words?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share drum
Resources for drum