drum 1 of 2

noun

ˈdrəm How to pronounce drum (audio)
Definition of drumnext
as in barrel
a metal container in the shape of a cylinder an oil drum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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drum

2 of 2

verb

as in to tap
to strike or cause to strike lightly and usually rhythmically absentmindedly drumming his fingers on the table

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of drum
Noun
As the song unfolds, the drums, lead vocal, background vocals, chord movement and production all play a role in carrying and reshaping it, allowing the sections to feel distinctly different while still remaining tightly connected. — David Penn, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026 Kerry McCoy’s guitar juices up a mid-song gallop by abruptly pivoting from big and noisy to compressed and snarling; at the climax, everything cuts out for a second to spotlight a Daniel Tracy drum fill. — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
Reddington sat pensive, drumming his fingers on the defense table. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 The weekend’s activities also include drumming demonstrations and competitions. — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drum
  1. barrel
  2. tap
  3. tin
  4. bang
  5. bucket
Noun
  • Specifically, Mehta highlighted management's commentary on solid execution in Venezuela, with gross production expected to more than double to nearly 600 kbd (kilo barrels per day) by 2031 via three joint ventures.
    — TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Asia was flat to down today as the price of oil remained painfully high—above $114 per barrel.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of barrel
Verb
  • DeMellier’s founder, Mireia Llusia-Lindh, tapped the residential architect Nicolas Schuybroek to create a space that felt like a stylish home with vintage furniture, photography and architecture books and original work by female artists.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • What's interesting, this reserve has only been tapped ONCE, and that was after Hurricane Sandy.
    — Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of tap
Noun
  • Thanks in part to that retirement party, Sacramento library patrons can check out hundreds of different pans, muffin tins and cookie cutters from the Shari Nichelini Cake Pan Library.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Her home is built of tin and a tarp, constructed under a flyover in the capital New Delhi.
    — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of tin
Verb
  • Canada banged awkwardly into Williams’ knee on a box out during her late free throws and the Valkyries star was being cared for by an athletic trainer on the bench in the waning moments.
    — Janie McCauley, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Canada banged awkwardly into Williams’ knee on a box out during her late free throws and the Valkyries’ star was being cared for by an athletic trainer on the bench in the waning moments.
    — Janie McCauley, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of bang
Noun
  • Water bottles and a bucket of pickles sat on the floor inside the walk-in cooler.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • On this warm, October day, five murres paddled around the pool — waiting for a technician to drop a bucket of smelt into the water.
    — Stephanie Zappelli, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of bucket

Phrases Containing drum

Browse Nearby Words

drugstores
drum
drumbeat
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Cite this Entry

“Drum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drum. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on drum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about drum

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