# drum

/ˈdɹəm/ (US) · /dɹˈʌm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drum
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. musical instrument

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- He played the drums in a rock band during high school.
- The orchestral percussionist waited for the conductor's signal before beginning the steady, rhythmic beat on the bass drum.

### 2. large container

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The workers moved several heavy steel drums of oil into the warehouse.
- Environmental inspectors discovered dozens of rusted drums containing hazardous industrial waste abandoned near the riverbank.

### 3. architecture

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The tall drum of the cathedral supports a massive gold dome.
- The architect designed an exceptionally high drum to elevate the dome, ensuring it would be visible from across the city skyline.

### 4. to hit repeatedly

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: to tap or beat rhythmically and rapidly on a surface.

- She drummed her fingers on the table while she waited for the phone to ring.
- Rain began to drum loudly against the tin roof, drowning out the conversation inside the small cabin.

### 5. to teach by repetition

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: to instill information or ideas into someone through persistent repetition.

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

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.