drum machine

noun

: an electronic device that simulates the sound of drums

Examples of drum machine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The song co-written by Gaga with Andrew Watt and Henry Walter — and co-produced by the singer, Watt and Cirkut — has a bouncy 1980s electro pop vibe, propelled by funhouse keyboards and bright drum machine beats as Gaga muses about hoofing it to the end. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2025 But drum machines and synthesizers began replacing live instrumentation. Chris Almeida, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2025 Breland also noted that the genre has expanded from just doing things like adding trap music-friendly sounds from Roland TR-808 drum machines. Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 The aural textures of the album lean heavily on the use of drum machines and synths, showcasing the artist's desire to play with the popular tools of the trade at that time. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for drum machine

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drum machine was in 1976

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Cite this Entry

“Drum machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drum%20machine. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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