drummer

noun

drum·​mer ˈdrə-mər 

1

: one that plays a drum

—sometimes used figuratively in phrases denoting unconventional thought or action

march to a different drummer

2

: traveling salesman

Examples of drummer in a Sentence

The band got a new drummer.

Recent Examples on the Web

And drummer Josh Freese, who returned to Nine Inch Nails last year after Foo Fighters dropped him for NIN’s previous drummer, Ilan Rubin, banged a percussion solo long enough for his bandmates to rush and join him on the main stage. —Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026

The current lineup features founding guitarist Neal Schon, longtime keyboardist Jonathan Cain, vocalist Arnel Pineda, drummer Deen Castronovo, bassist Todd Jensen and musician/backing vocalist Jason Derlatka. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026

The Outfield was formed in 1984 by Spinks, vocalist/bassist Tony Lewis and drummer Alan Jackman in London. —Annie Harrigan, Billboard, 11 Mar. 2026

The band broke up weeks after that show, but reformed in 1996 with Jones, singer-lyricist Johnny Rotten and drummer Paul Cook. —Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing drummer

• different drummer
• heard a different drummer
• march to the beat of a different drummer

Rhymes for drummer

• bummer
• comer
• dumber
• hummer
• plumber
• plummer
• somer
• summer
• trimer
• midsummer
• newcomer

Kids Definition

drummer

noun

drum·​mer ˈdrəm-ər 

1

: one that plays a drum

2

: traveling salesman