strum

1 of 2

noun

ˈstrəm 

: an act, instance, or sound of strumming

strum

2 of 2

verb

strummed; strumming

transitive verb

1

a

: to brush the fingers over the strings of (a musical instrument) in playing

strum a guitar

also : thrum entry 1 sense 1

b

: 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

Examples of strum in a Sentence

Verb

He strummed a tune on the guitar.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The passionate sweep of a violin bow, propelled by the strum of guitar and a synth-pop beat. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Behind the wood and over the bridge across the creek, visitors hear the strum of a lute and the beat of drums that transport them from Iowa to medieval times. — Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 6 Sep. 2026

Verb

While Clarkson moved around the stage barefoot and traded lyrics with Latifah, Levine held it down behind the drum kit while Green strummed along on guitar. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026

The crowd listened in silence as the Polynesians, wearing blue fire uniforms, sang a Tahitian hymn in harmony while two of them strummed ukuleles. — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

imitative

First Known Use

Noun

1764, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1777, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for strum

• bum
• chum
• come
• crum
• cum
• drum
• dum
• dumb
• from
• frum
• glum
• gum

Kids Definition

strum

verb

ˈstrəm

strummed; strumming

: to play a stringed instrument by brushing the strings with the fingers

strummer noun