drum
B1Neutral (common in both formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A percussion instrument consisting of a hollow cylinder or hemisphere with a membrane stretched tightly over one or both ends, played by beating with the hands or sticks.
Any hollow, cylindrical object or container, such as a barrel; also, a repetitive, monotonous sound or pattern.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun (a drum, drums). The verb sense ('to drum') is derived from the action of playing the instrument, extended metaphorically to mean 'to tap rhythmically' or 'to instill an idea through repetition'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Both share idiomatic expressions (e.g., 'drum up business'). 'Drum kit' (UK) is synonymous with 'drum set' (US).
Connotations
Similar connotations across both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
drum something (on something)drum something into somebodydrum up somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “drum up support/business”
- “march to the beat of your own drum”
- “drum something into someone's head”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'We need to drum up new clients for the product launch.'
Academic
The study examined the role of the talking drum in West African communication systems.
Everyday
He's learning to play the drums in a local band.
Technical
The brake drum showed signs of excessive wear and scoring.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He drummed his fingers impatiently on the desk.
- The teacher tried to drum the importance of grammar into the students.
American English
- Rain drummed against the rooftop all night.
- We're campaigning to drum up votes before the election.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form. 'Drummingly' is non-standard.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- He has a prized drum stool from a famous jazz club. (compound noun use)
- The drum major led the parade.
American English
- She bought a new drum head for her snare. (compound noun use)
- The drum circle gathered in the park.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can hear a drum in the music.
- The oil is in a big metal drum.
- She plays the drums in a school band.
- He drummed on the table with his pencils.
- The politician toured the country to drum up support for her campaign.
- The constant drum of the machinery gave him a headache.
- The company is trying to drum up investment for its new venture.
- The evidence was drummed into the jury over the course of the long trial.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DRUM: Don't Repeat Ugly Mistakes - but a DRUM repeats a rhythm.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS DRUMMING (e.g., 'drum an idea into someone'), RHYTHM IS THE PULSE OF LIFE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'drum' as 'бочка' (barrel) for the musical instrument. The correct direct translation is 'барабан'.
- The verb 'to drum' (e.g., fingers) is 'барабанить', not a generic 'стучать'.
- The idiom 'march to the beat of your own drum' has no direct Russian equivalent; it conveys individualism.
Common Mistakes
- Using uncountably (e.g., 'He plays drum' instead of 'He plays the drums/a drum').
- Confusing 'drum up' (to gather) with 'drum out' (to expel).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the verb 'drum' in the sentence: 'The rain drummed a steady rhythm on the tin roof'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the primary meaning is a musical instrument, it also refers to cylindrical containers (e.g., an oil drum) and describes a repetitive sound or action (e.g., drumming fingers).
There is no difference in meaning. 'Drum kit' is the more common term in British English, while 'drum set' is standard in American English.
Yes, it can be intransitive. For example: 'The rain drummed on the roof.' It can also be transitive: 'He drummed a complex rhythm.'
It means to create or increase interest, support, or business through active effort or promotion. E.g., 'drum up new customers' or 'drum up enthusiasm.'
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