English Reference
noun

drummer

n.
US /ˈdɹəmɝ/ UK /dɹˈʌmɐ/ drum·mer UK spelling drummer's, drummer's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Music

    someone who plays the drums, especially in a band.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The session drummer was praised for his ability to maintain a complex polyrhythmic beat while the lead guitarist improvised.

    percussionist
  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    He served the fried chicken with a side of coleslaw, ensuring each guest received at least one drummer.

    drumstick
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency ArchaicAmerican 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The protagonist of the play is a weary drummer who has spent decades traversing the Midwest with a suitcase full of samples.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency SlangBritish English

    a person who breaks into houses to steal things.

    a person who commits housebreaking or burglary.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    burglarhousebreaker

Etymology 1

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

Etymology 2

From drum (“house”) + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated