strum
1 Americanverb (used with object)
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to play on (a stringed musical instrument) by running the fingers lightly across the strings.
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to produce (notes, a melody, etc.) by such playing.
to strum a tune.
verb (used without object)
noun
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the act of strumming.
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the sound produced by strumming.
noun
verb
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to sound (the strings of a guitar, banjo, etc) with a downward or upward sweep of the thumb or of a plectrum
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to play (chords, a tune, etc) in this way
Other Word Forms
- strummer noun
Etymology
Origin of strum1
1765–75; perhaps blend of string and thrum 1
Origin of strum2
Origin uncertain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But then we see him at the top of the cliff, strumming the banjo that Maude gave him, choosing to live, although he’d just lost what led him to come to the conclusion.
From Salon
Livingston began to strum his guitar and sing.
From Literature
The score is a comical barrage of harp strums, as if heaven’s angels have gotten good and drunk.
From Los Angeles Times
Leo strums a couple of chords and smiles.
From Literature
We hear a Fender Rhodes piano, strummed electric guitar and a spare trumpet, conjuring images of a late night in a smoky club.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
