Word: Drum

Pronunciation

/drʌm/

Definitions

• Noun: A musical instrument consisting of a hollow cylinder or shell usually made of wood or plastic, with a membrane stretched over one or both ends, which can be struck with the hands or sticks to produce sound. It’s also used in idiomatic expressions such as “the beat of the drum” referring to a rhythm or pace. Example: “The drummer kept time on his snare drum.”
• Verb: To play a drum, especially to produce a rhythmic sound by beating on it. Example: “The child loves to drum on pots and pans with wooden spoons.”
• Noun (figurative): The deep, resonant sound produced by something being struck like a drum; also, a continuous or repeated noise. Example: “The drum of rain against the roof was soothing.”
• Noun (metaphorical): A means of attracting attention or arousing interest, often referring to publicity efforts. Example: “The company started a new advertising campaign to drum up business.”

Phrases

• “Drum roll” - a rolling pattern played on drums typically to introduce something important or dramatic.
• “Beat the drum for something” - to promote or advocate something persistently and energetically.
• “March to the beat of a different drum” - to behave or think differently from others, not conforming to norms.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The tribal dance featured a circle of men playing various types of drums.”
• Verb: “She spent hours drumming out complex rhythms on her practice pad.”
• Noun (figurative): “The incessant drum of traffic in the city never seemed to cease.”
• Noun (metaphorical): “The politician has been drumming up support for his reform agenda across the country.”

Synonyms

• Percussion instrument
• Timpani
• Tom-tom
• Snare
• Bass drum
• Rhythm maker (for verb sense)
• Promote (for metaphorical use)