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drum

n. · v.
US //ˈdɹəm// UK //dɹˈʌm// drum
  1. 1 musical instrument (n.)
    A2 Elementary Music

    a musical instrument that you hit with sticks or your hands to make a sound.

    a percussive musical instrument consisting of a hollow shell with a membrane stretched across one or both ends.

    Example

    He played the drums in a rock band during high school.

    Example

    The orchestral percussionist waited for the conductor's signal before beginning the steady, rhythmic beat on the bass drum.
  2. 2 large container (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a large, round container used for storing or moving liquids like oil or chemicals.

    a large cylindrical container, typically made of metal or plastic, used for the transport and storage of bulk liquids.

    Example

    The workers moved several heavy steel drums of oil into the warehouse.

    Example

    Environmental inspectors discovered dozens of rusted drums containing hazardous industrial waste abandoned near the riverbank.
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  1. 3 architecture (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Architecture

    the round wall that supports a dome on top of a building.

    the upright, circular or polygonal wall that supports a dome or cupola.

    Example

    The tall drum of the cathedral supports a massive gold dome.

    Example

    The architect designed an exceptionally high drum to elevate the dome, ensuring it would be visible from across the city skyline.
    • tholobate
  2. 4 to hit repeatedly (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to hit a surface many times quickly, often making a rhythmic sound.

    to tap or beat rhythmically and rapidly on a surface.

    Example

    She drummed her fingers on the table while she waited for the phone to ring.

    Example

    Rain began to drum loudly against the tin roof, drowning out the conversation inside the small cabin.
  3. 5 to teach by repetition (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to teach someone something by repeating it many times until they remember it.

    to instill information or ideas into someone through persistent repetition.

    Example

    Our teacher drummed the safety rules into us before the field trip.

    Example

    The importance of data privacy was drummed into the new recruits during their first week of intensive training.

    Usage

    Often used with 'into' as in 'drum something into someone'.
Etymology 1

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”).

Etymology 2

From Irish druim, Scottish Gaelic druim (“back, ridge”).

Etymology 3

Unknown.

Etymology 4

Shortening.

Word family
Idioms6 entries

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