What is drum? Pronunciation and usage in English

drum means . Learn how to pronounce and use drum through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of drum

drumnoun/verb

/drʌm/
Definition & pronunciation of drum

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "drum" in English. It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /drʌm/ (rhymes with "crum" or "hum")

Let's break it down further:

  • "dr": This is pronounced like the "dr" in "drive." It's a short, crisp "d" sound followed immediately by an "r."
  • "u": This is a short "uh" sound, like in "cup" or "sun."
  • "m": This is the standard "m" sound.

Tips to help you:

  • Focus on the "dr" sound: This is the key difference from words like "drummer" or "drumming."
  • Keep it short and punchy: The pronunciation is quick and direct.

Resources to hear it:

  • Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drum (Listen button)
  • Google Dictionary: Search "drum pronunciation" on Google, and you'll get audio examples.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce drum" on YouTube you will find many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you other words that rhyme with "drum"?
  • Explain the difference in pronunciation between "drum" and "drummer"?

Usage and examples with the word drum in English

Let's break down how to use the word "drum" in English! It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings. Here's a detailed look, categorized for clarity:

1. The Musical Instrument (Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: A percussion instrument consisting of a stretched membrane (skin) that vibrates when struck, producing sound.
  • Usage:
    • "He plays the drums in a rock band."
    • "The drum beat was driving and energetic."
    • "She practiced her drumming for hours."
    • "A timpani drum added a deep resonance to the orchestra."
  • Types of Drums: There are many kinds! ( snare drum, bass drum, tom-tom, cymbal, etc.)

2. To Beat Out a Rhythm (Action Verb)

  • Definition: To strike a drum with sticks or hands.
  • Usage:
    • "The band started to drum out a complicated rhythm."
    • "The child was drumming on the table with a pencil." (This is often playful or restless)
    • “The pilot was drumming his fingers on the control panel, nervously awaiting the landing.”

3. To Emphasize or Highlight (Figurative)

  • Definition: To stress or emphasize something repeatedly. (Think of it like building up a point.)
  • Usage:
    • "The lawyer drummed home the key point of the case." (Repeatedly emphasized)
    • "He kept drumming on about the importance of punctuality."
    • “The politician tried to drum up support for his campaign.” (To get support)

4. To Announce or Signal (Often in a Formal Way)

  • Definition: To make a loud, insistent noise to draw attention. Historically often used for military signaling.
  • Usage:
    • “The alarm drums a warning signal.” (modern use – ‘drums’ is used as a noun)
    • “The ship’s drums announced its arrival.” (Historical - a horn was often used)

5. As a Noun – A Container (Less Common)

  • Definition: A container for holding liquids, especially beer.
  • Usage:
    • "He sat at the bar and ordered a pint in a drum." (This is primarily British English)

6. Informal – To Worry or Obsess

  • Definition: To worry excessively about something.
  • Usage:
    • “He was drumming up anxieties about the meeting.” (Meaning he was worrying)

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “drum” is almost always determined by the surrounding words and the situation.
  • Listen to how native speakers use it: The best way to understand the nuances is to hear the word in different contexts.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to do with the word "drum"? (e.g., "I want to write a sentence about playing the drums," or "I want to know how to use it figuratively?")

Synonyms for the word drum

Idioms of the word drum

beat/bang the drum (for somebody/something)
(especially British English)to speak with enthusiasm in support of somebody/something
  • She’s really banging the drum for the new system.
march to (the beat of) a different drummer/drum | march to a different beat/tune
to behave in a different way from other people; to have different attitudes or ideas
  • She was a gifted and original artist who marched to a different drummer.

Practice with vocabulary drum

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the quarterly review, the project manager sought to ______ up enthusiasm for the upcoming phase among the team members.
  2. The heavy rain began to ______ against the office windowpane, creating a soothing background noise for the meeting.
  3. The new regulations will effectively ______ down on tax evasion by implementing stricter financial controls.
  4. In many industrial settings, large metal ______ are used for storing and transporting various chemicals and oils.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words can refer to a musical instrument typically played by striking it with sticks or hands? a) flute b) cello c) drum d) trumpet e) tambourine

  2. If a company needs to generate or attract interest, support, or business, which actions might they take? a) suppress public relations b) drum up publicity c) curtail outreach efforts d) cultivate public opinion

  3. Which of these terms can describe a cylindrical container, often large, used for liquids or dry bulk goods? a) vial b) barrel c) drum d) canister

  4. To signify a deep, continuous, and often low sound, similar to distant thunder or heavy machinery, which words would be appropriate? a) whisper b) rumble c) sizzle d) drone

  5. In a business context, if you want to repeatedly emphasize a point or instill a concept through repetition, you might: a) disseminate information sparingly b) drum a principle into someone c) casually mention a fact d) drill a skill into a team

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The continuous, light tapping of the rain on the tent roof made it hard to sleep.
    • Rewrite, starting with "The constant...":
  2. The human resources department aimed to repeatedly teach the new safety protocols to all employees.
    • Rewrite, starting with "The human resources department aimed to...":
  3. To improve team cohesion, the manager decided to consistently promote the benefits of collaborative work during weekly meetings.
    • Rewrite, starting with "To improve team cohesion, the manager decided to...":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the quarterly review, the project manager sought to drum up enthusiasm for the upcoming phase among the team members.
  2. The heavy rain began to patter against the office windowpane, creating a soothing background noise for the meeting.
  3. The new regulations will effectively crack down on tax evasion by implementing stricter financial controls.
  4. In many industrial settings, large metal drums are used for storing and transporting various chemicals and oils.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) drum, e) tambourine
  2. b) drum up publicity, d) cultivate public opinion
  3. b) barrel, c) drum
  4. b) rumble, d) drone
  5. b) drum a principle into someone, d) drill a skill into a team

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The constant drumming of the rain on the tent roof made it hard to sleep.
  2. The human resources department aimed to drum the new safety protocols into all employees.
  3. To improve team cohesion, the manager decided to consistently emphasize the benefits of collaborative work during weekly meetings.

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