as in tapping
to strike or cause to strike lightly and usually rhythmically
absentmindedly drumming his fingers on the table
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 drumming
Vine Picks African drumming and dance is having a resurgence in Kansas City thanks to two master drummers teaching the art and the history to younger audiences.
—
Mara Williams, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
Led by cultural artist and storyteller Lillian Grant Baptiste, this community gathering features storytelling, drumming, dance, a libation ritual, candle lighting, and a closing affirmation of unity.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Another is a headless drummer, who was seen drumming around 1650 before the castle was attacked by Oliver Cromwell.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
In a rare rock swap, Freese then returned to his old seat drumming for NIN.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
Since drumming in a college band, the 64-year-old politician has remained a fan of groups like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden.
—Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Joey Warnoker’s drumming, TLA’s mix, and Lenny Castro’s percussion all just sent it to the end-zone.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2025
During the summer, Bauer, who founded Warrior Women as a platform for sharing Indigenous culture, leads weekly stargazing experiences that impart her connection to the stars through stories, drumming, and songs.
—Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
The family photos joined other shots of Travis drumming and stopping for photos with his band, doing a bit of a sprint and meeting up with friends.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Mara Williams, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
Led by cultural artist and storyteller Lillian Grant Baptiste, this community gathering features storytelling, drumming, dance, a libation ritual, candle lighting, and a closing affirmation of unity.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Another is a headless drummer, who was seen drumming around 1650 before the castle was attacked by Oliver Cromwell.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
In a rare rock swap, Freese then returned to his old seat drumming for NIN.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
Since drumming in a college band, the 64-year-old politician has remained a fan of groups like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden.
—Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Joey Warnoker’s drumming, TLA’s mix, and Lenny Castro’s percussion all just sent it to the end-zone.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2025
During the summer, Bauer, who founded Warrior Women as a platform for sharing Indigenous culture, leads weekly stargazing experiences that impart her connection to the stars through stories, drumming, and songs.
—Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
The family photos joined other shots of Travis drumming and stopping for photos with his band, doing a bit of a sprint and meeting up with friends.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drumming
Verb
-
Nwsl | Getty Images National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman is tapping into star power to guide the league’s growth.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Apple Music users can access their Replay by locating the Listen Now tab in the app, scrolling to the Replay section, tapping the Replay '25 playlist, and then selecting the plus button in the top right.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The legendary Public Enemy rapper and dating show debutante served as the guest judge on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night, in which the eight remaining couples hit the floor with head-banging routines set to a litany of iconic anthems.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Nov. 2025
-
If someone does encounter a coyote, officials said to scare away the animal by yelling, using airhorns, banging pots and pans or throwing objects.—
Megan Forrester,
ABC News,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Drumming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drumming. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share