# strumming

/ˈstɹəmɪŋ/ (US) · /stɹˈʌmɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/strumming
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to play a guitar by moving your fingers across the strings. You do it to make soft chords for a song.

For teachers: to play a stringed instrument by sweeping the fingers or a pick across the strings to sound chords in sequence.

## Examples

- She is strumming her guitar in the park.
- He keeps strumming the same three chords while he practices his new song.
- From the porch, she could hear her neighbor strumming softly, the loose chords drifting through the warm evening air.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive or intransitive; the object names the instrument or chord played.

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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.