Dictionary
1drum
noun \ˈdrəm\
Definition of DRUM
1
: a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow shell or cylinder with a drumhead stretched over one or both ends that is beaten with the hands or with some implement (as a stick or wire brush)
3
: the sound of a drum; also : a sound similar to that of a drum
4
: any of various chiefly marine bony fishes (family Sciaenidae) that make a drumming or croaking noise using their air bladder and associated muscles
5
: something resembling a drum in shape: as a (1) : any of the cylindrical blocks that form the shaft of a column (2) : a round wall or structure that supports a dome b : a cylindrical machine or mechanical device or part c : a cylindrical container; specifically : a large usually metal container for liquids <a 55-gallon drum> d : a disk-shaped magazine for an automatic weapon
— drum·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
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Illustration of DRUM
Origin of DRUM
probably from Dutch trom; akin to Middle High German trumme drum
First Known Use: 1539
2drum
verb
: to beat or play a drum or set of drums
: to make a sound by hitting a surface over and over again
drummeddrum·ming
Full Definition of DRUM
intransitive verb
1
: to make a succession of strokes or vibrations that produce sounds like drumbeats
2
: to beat a drum
3
: to throb or sound rhythmically
4
: to stir up interest : solicit
transitive verb
1
: to summon or enlist by or as if by beating a drum <were drummed into service>
2
: to dismiss ignominiously : expel —usually used with out
3
: to drive or force by steady effort or reiteration <drummed the speech into her head>
4
a : to strike or tap repeatedly b : to produce (rhythmic sounds) by such action
See drum defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DRUM
1583
3drum
noun
Definition of DRUM
1
chiefly Scottish : a long narrow hill or ridge
2
: drumlin
Origin of DRUM
Scottish Gaelic druim back, ridge, from Old Irish druimm
First Known Use: 1725
DRUM Defined for Kids
1drum
noun \ˈdrəm\
Definition of DRUM for Kids
1
: a musical instrument usually consisting of a metal or wooden round frame with flat ends covered by tightly stretched skin
2
: a tapping sound : a sound of or like a drum <the drum of raindrops>
3
: an object shaped like a cylinder <an oil drum>
2drum
verb
drummeddrum·ming
Definition of DRUM for Kids
1
: to beat or play a drum
2
: to make a tapping sound : make a sound like a drum <The rain drummed on the roof.>
3
: to beat or tap in a rhythmic way <She drummed her fingers.>
— drum·mer \ˈdrə-mər\ noun
— drum into
: to force (something) to be learned by repeating it over and over <She drummed the lesson into our heads.>
— drum out of
: to force to leave (a place or organization) <They drummed him out of the club.>
— drum up
: to gather or create by hard work <We need to drum up new business.>
Medical Dictionary
drum
noun \ˈdrəm\
Learn More About DRUM
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