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 song features Bryan’s gravelly vocals over guitar strums before Rose’s sweet voice enters with a response verse. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2025

The growing online murmur is clear: has this once-fresh indie voice simply become another predictable strum? —Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Verb

But to his credit, Schaffer never strummed that chord again due to the controversy that continues to swirl around a figure as notorious as the late Simpson. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2025

At its heart lies the Plaza Mayor, a baroque masterpiece framed by 88 arches and medallions of Spanish royalty—where locals sip vermouth beneath umbrellas and students strum guitars. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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