drum
n. countablen. a musical instrument that you hit with sticks or your hands to make a sound. It is usually shaped like a cylinder with a tight skin over the top.
n. a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow cylinder or hemisphere with a membrane stretched across one or both ends, played by striking.
He plays the drums in a local rock band.
The steady beat of the drum kept the dancers in time during the festival parade.
While the lead guitarist often receives the most attention, the drummer provides the rhythmic foundation that prevents the entire ensemble from losing its tempo during complex transitions.
Perhaps back-formation from drumslade (“drummer”), from Middle Dutch trommelslach (“drumbeat”), from trommel (“drum”) + slach (“beat”) (Dutch slag). Or perhaps borrowed directly from a continental Germanic language; compare Middle Dutch tromme (“drum”), Middle Low German trumme (“drum”) et al. Compare also Middle High German trumme, trumbe (“drum”), Old High German trumba (“trumpet”).
From Irish druim, Scottish Gaelic druim (“back, ridge”).
Unknown.
Shortening.
Often used in the plural ('the drums') when referring to a full drum kit in a musical context.