tom-tom

noun

ˈtäm-ˌtäm 

ˈtəm-ˌtəm

1

: a usually long and narrow small-headed drum commonly beaten with the hands

2

old-fashioned : tam-tam sense 2

3

a

: something used to make a noise suggestive of the tom-tom's beating

b

: a monotonous beating, rhythm, or rhythmical sound

4

or less commonly tom : a cylindrical two-headed drum of varying size often used in pairs in drum sets

Illustration of tom-tom

• tom-tom 1

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu ṭamṭam

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tom-tom

noun

ˈtäm-ˌtäm,

ˈtəm-ˌtəm

: a usually long and narrow drum commonly beaten with the hands