noun
drum
DRUHM
noun
1
A percussion instrument with a tight skin stretched over a hollow body, played by striking.
"He kept the beat on his drum during the parade."
"She joined the band as a drummer, playing the snare drum."
2
A cylindrical container, especially one used to store or transport liquid.
"They stored the fuel in large metal drums."
verb
1
To strike or tap rhythmically, as if playing a drum.
"She drummed her fingers on the table while waiting."
"His heart drummed with excitement before the interview."
How to Use Drum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often the musical instrument, but also a cylindrical container, or the verb for tapping out a steady rhythm.
Common pairings
drum kit
oil drum
drum up support
drum your fingers
Word Forms
drummed past tense, drums plural, drums plural, drums plural, drums plural, Drums plural, drums singular
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Etymology
Possibly a shortened form of an old Dutch word for drumbeat, or borrowed directly from a related Germanic word for the instrument.