drum 1 of 2

noun

ˈdrəm How to pronounce drum (audio)
Definition of drumnext
as in barrel
a metal container in the shape of a cylinder an oil drum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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drum

2 of 2

verb

as in to tap
to strike or cause to strike lightly and usually rhythmically absentmindedly drumming his fingers on the table

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of drum
Noun
As the song unfolds, the drums, lead vocal, background vocals, chord movement and production all play a role in carrying and reshaping it, allowing the sections to feel distinctly different while still remaining tightly connected. — David Penn, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026 Kerry McCoy’s guitar juices up a mid-song gallop by abruptly pivoting from big and noisy to compressed and snarling; at the climax, everything cuts out for a second to spotlight a Daniel Tracy drum fill. — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
Reddington sat pensive, drumming his fingers on the defense table. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 The weekend’s activities also include drumming demonstrations and competitions. — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drum
  1. barrel
  2. tap
  3. tin
  4. bang
  5. bucket
Noun
  • Police were investigating what caused the pickup truck to barrel through a soccer field, killing a man and a child.
    — Maggie Vespa, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Brent crude, the international benchmark, is down more than 1% to roughly $108 a barrel.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of barrel
Verb
  • The informant gave Buchanan money and a phone that was tapped by the FBI, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Journalist Trymaine Lee, who has covered stories ranging from Hurricane Katrina to the power of the Black electorate, was presumably tapped to bring insight into big-picture issues such as race, violence, and the justice system.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of tap
Noun
  • Each red tin is packed with layers of white and dark chocolate perfumed with peppermint oil and topped with crushed peppermint candies.
    — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Being part of a tank crew means being exposed to high levels of noise and vibration in a huge machine that's constantly bouncing you about like a pea in a tin.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of tin
Verb
  • Canada banged awkwardly into Williams’ knee on a box out during her late free throws and the Valkyries star was being cared for by an athletic trainer on the bench in the waning moments.
    — Janie McCauley, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Canada banged awkwardly into Williams’ knee on a box out during her late free throws and the Valkyries’ star was being cared for by an athletic trainer on the bench in the waning moments.
    — Janie McCauley, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of bang
Noun
  • Water bottles and a bucket of pickles sat on the floor inside the walk-in cooler.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • On this warm, October day, five murres paddled around the pool — waiting for a technician to drop a bucket of smelt into the water.
    — Stephanie Zappelli, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of bucket

Phrases Containing drum

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drugstores
drum
drumbeat
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Cite this Entry

“Drum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drum. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on drum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about drum

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