drummer

noun

drum·​mer ˈdrə-mər How to pronounce drummer (audio)
Synonyms of drummernext
1
: one that plays a drum
—sometimes used figuratively in phrases denoting unconventional thought or action
march to a different drummer
2
: traveling salesman

Examples of drummer in a Sentence

The band got a new drummer.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the history of music, no band spawned as many air guitarists and air drummers as Rush. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026 Circles form beside drummers, and pairs take turns dancing in the middle, pirouetting around one another. — Armando Ledezma, New Yorker, 30 June 2026 An array of military vehicles, including a tank and a truck hauling an old helicopter, were followed by a group of eight bagpipe players along with drummers and dancers. — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 4 July 2026 The head drummer of the colonial fife and drum band was a Black man in a Revolutionary War costume, his dreadlocks peeking from under a powdered wig. — Catherine Simpson Bueker, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for drummer

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drummer was in 1574

Phrases Containing drummer

Rhymes for drummer

See All Rhymes for drummer

Browse Nearby Words

drum majorette
drummer
drummock
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drummer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drummer. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

drummer

noun
drum·​mer ˈdrəm-ər How to pronounce drummer (audio)
1
: one that plays a drum
2
: traveling salesman

More from Merriam-Webster on drummer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for drummer

Nglish: Translation of drummer for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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