Synonyms of drum

drum 1 of 2

noun

ˈdrəm 

as in barrel

a metal container in the shape of a cylinder

an oil drum

Synonyms & Similar Words

• barrel
• tin
• bucket
• canister
• can
• pail
• tin can
• cannikin

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

• tap
• bang
• beat
• rap
• pound
• pat
• clap
• hit
• bat
• knock
• thump
• slam
• bop
• hammer
• click
• smack
• sock
• thud
• whack
• bash
• swat
• ping
• clatter
• wallop
• paste
• strike
• thwack
• clink
• tip
• flick
• chuck
• chink
• bonk
• pitter-patter
• pit-a-pat

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of drum

Noun

Zac played drums, while his brother Josh served as lead guitarist and contributed to the band’s songwriting, per American Songwriter. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2026

The drums have a firm smack, though the cymbals still lack detail. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

Verb

In Malabo, Bioko’s biggest city, a team of men and women equipped with insecticide sprayers squeezed between low-rise cement buildings on a recent morning, as heavy rain drummed on aluminum roofs. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

That led to drumming on pots and pans, and, years later, a punky band, a 2010 release (The Hippy Hop EP) then a 2015 debut album, Look Up. — Katherine Turman, SPIN, 13 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing drum

• beat the drum (for)
• drum (out)
• drum up