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
Pearl Jam’s drum seat was vacated in July 2025 by Matt Cameron after a 27-year run — until Laboriel was revealed on Friday. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 28 Sep. 2026 The event kicked off with multicultural music by Native American, Korean and West African drum ensembles. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
The Welsh drummer who formerly performed with AC/DC, David Gilmour and more has decided to permanently take a step back from drumming. — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 The franchise’s iconic theme song is starting to play, the loud warrior drums about to give way to that ubiquitous melody. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 20 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
  • Yet even as the flows of crude from the Middle East have increased, oil remains near $100 a barrel.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The president withdrew consideration for a ban after the Group of Seven agreed last week to release up to 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from its emergency stocks.
    — Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of barrel
Verb
  • Miami, which bills itself as South Florida’s only women’s professional sports team, was tapped as the league’s first East Coast franchise in May, though a home venue has yet to be announced.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The deal will primarily rely on the investment-grade debt market, which SpaceX just tapped four months ago, the person said.
    — Seema Mody, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of tap
Noun
  • Eating sardines straight out of the tin while wearing the patches in the comfort of my own home is my kind of self-care.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Pie tins, canisters, trays, and measuring cups also often featured advertising, so scan items carefully.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of tin
Verb
  • On this day in 1960, one of the most shocking and iconic Cold War moments unfolded when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev brandished and banged his shoe at the United Nations.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Kulich stood near the side of the net banging his stick on the ice, and Power found him with the perfect pass.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of bang
Noun
  • There are intimate inns tucked into the woods, bucket-list A-frame Airbnbs, and happening hubs just beyond Main Street available for check-in at your convenience.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Everything fits in three shipping containers, which are moisture-controlled with buckets of silica gel.
    — Niyaz Pirani, Los Angeles Times, 7 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on drum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about drum

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