strum

play

noun \ˈstrəm\

Definition of strum

: an act, instance, or sound of strumming

Recent Examples of strum from the Web

Kiesza is serving pure pop star over Bakermat's heart-racing beat, house piano melodies, and pop-rock guitar strums.

— kat bein, Billboard, "Bakermat and Kiesza Make Candy-Colored Disco Pop on 'Don't Want You Back': Premiere", 2 June 2017
The Fringe Factor: Carlisle never missed a beat despite his banjo twirling, twisting and flipping between strums.

— lania berger, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'There Aint No More: Death of a Folksinger' at Orlando Fringe Festival", 17 May 2017
What's cooler than this?@PGA_JohnDaly sinks the putt while his buddy strums on the guitar... and then the two break out into a duet.

— luke kerr-dineen, USA TODAY, "John Daly breaks into song after sinking putt", 11 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'strum'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of strum

imitative

NEW!

First Known Use: 1764

See Words from the same year

strum

verb

Definition of strum

strummed

;

strumming

transitive verb
1a : to brush the fingers over the strings of (a musical instrument) in playing strum a guitar; also : ¹thrum 1b : to play (music) on a stringed instrument strum a tune
2 : to cause to sound vibrantly winds strummed the rigging — H. A. Chippendale
intransitive verb
1 : to strum a stringed instrument
2 : to sound vibrantly

strummer

noun

See strum defined for English-language learners

See strum defined for kids

Examples of strum in a Sentence

He strummed a tune on the guitar.

Recent Examples of strum from the Web

Even Calvin Harris himself pops up in a Hawaiian shirt and mustache to strum some guitar as the technicolor wonderland flashes into new hues.

— raisa bruner, Time, "Here's Katy Perry Frolicking in a Psychedelic Garden for the 'Feels' Video", 27 June 2017
The only way to cope is to scream at each other while strumming guitars.

— brent mcknight, The Seattle Times, "‘Band Aid’ review: Quirky marital tale finds its rhythm", 26 June 2017
In the bathroom, a metal bra with similar styling. Slanted metal figures strumming guitars or playing football, sculptures on loan from Gallery Forty-Two, are on display throughout the house.

— amy bartner, Indianapolis Star, "Downtown Cribs: Steampunk penthouse a surprise twist", 25 June 2017
Reynolds strummed and slid, pounded and picked, often on the same song.

— chuck yarborough, cleveland.com, "Huey Lewis & the News, Paul Simon and Dave Matthews: Also Playing", 6 June 2017
There will be drumming and strumming, Zydeco and funk, Morris dancers and marimba.

— alan berner, The Seattle Times, "Seattle’s Northwest Folklife Fest brings out celebrants for rites of spring", 27 May 2017
One fan brought a guitar and strummed Soundgarden songs.

— Washington Post, "Rocker Chris Cornell remembered as ‘voice of our generation’", 26 May 2017
Do Not Open, at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. Strumming a guitar in a blue denim shirt,

— billboard staff, Billboard, "The Chainsmokers Perform 'Young' at 2017 Billboard Music Awards: Watch", 21 May 2017
Jake Shimabukuro Musician Jake Shimabukuro has plucked and strummed his way to fame with four strings and two octaves - those of his ukulele.

— amy wang, OregonLive.com, "7 arts picks: 'An American in Paris,' Jake Shimabukuro, BodyVox", 18 May 2017

First Known Use of strum

1777

STRUM Defined for English Language Learners

strum

verb

Definition of strum for English Language Learners

: to play (a guitar or similar instrument) by moving your fingers across the strings
: to play (music) on a guitar, banjo, etc., by moving your fingers over the strings