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REFERENCE

drummer

n.
US //ˈdɹəmɝ// UK //dɹˈʌmɐ// drum·mer
  1. 1 musician (n.)
    A2 Elementary Music

    someone who plays the drums, especially in a band.

    a musician who plays various types of drums or percussion instruments.

    Example

    The drummer started a fast beat, and the rest of the band joined in.

    Example

    The session drummer was praised for his ability to maintain a complex polyrhythmic beat while the lead guitarist improvised.
    • percussionist
  2. 2 poultry leg (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Cooking

    the lower part of a cooked chicken or turkey leg.

    the lower portion of the leg of a cooked bird, specifically a chicken or turkey.

    Example

    The kids always fight over who gets the last drummer from the roasted chicken.

    Example

    He served the fried chicken with a side of coleslaw, ensuring each guest received at least one drummer.
    • drumstick
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  1. 3 travelling salesman (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic American English

    a person who travels to different places to sell products for a company.

    a commercial traveller or travelling salesperson who solicits orders for a firm.

    Example

    In the old stories, a drummer would go from town to town selling tools.

    Example

    The protagonist of the play is a weary drummer who has spent decades traversing the Midwest with a suitcase full of samples.
  2. 4 burglar (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang British English

    a person who breaks into houses to steal things.

    a person who commits housebreaking or burglary.

    Example

    The police caught the drummer as he was trying to climb out of the window.

    Example

    The local constabulary warned residents to secure their back doors following reports of a notorious drummer operating in the area.
Etymology 1

From drum + -er (occupational suffix) or + -er (relational noun suffix).

Etymology 2

From drum (“house”) + -er.

Idioms1 entry

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