drumroll
Drumroll (noun) means a rapid, continuous beating of a drum, often used to build suspense before an announcement. Example: “The host paused for a drumroll before revealing the winner.”
How to use drumroll
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rapid drumbeat used to create suspense, often said humorously before a reveal.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The host paused for a _____ before revealing the winner.
Etymology
A compound of drum and roll, describing the rolling sound made by rapid drumbeats.