noun

1. 1. a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow cylinder or hemisphere with a membrane stretched tightly over the end or ends, played by beating with the hands, sticks, etc.
   2. a set of drums and cymbals played by one person in a jazz, rock, or dance band
2. the sound produced by beating a drum, or any sound like this
3. any of various drumlike cylindrical objects; specif.,
   1. a metal spool or cylinder around which cable, etc. is wound in a machine
   2. a barrel-like metal container for oil, etc.
   3. any of the cylindrical blocks making up the shaft of a stone column
   4. the circular or polygonal wall supporting a dome
4. ☆ any of a family (Sciaenidae) of marine and freshwater percoid fishes that make a drumming sound
5. Anat.
   1. middle ear
   2. tympanic membrane

Etymology: < Du trom, akin to MLowG trumme, drum, OHG trumba, of echoic orig.

intransitive verb drummed, drumming drum′·ming

1. to beat a drum
2. to beat or tap continually or rhythmically, as with the fingers
3. ☆ to make a loud, reverberating sound by quivering the wings: said of the ruffed grouse, etc.

transitive verb

1. to play (a tune, rhythm, etc.) on or as on a drum
2. to beat or tap continually
3. to assemble by beating a drum
4. to instill (ideas, facts, etc.) into by continued repetition

noun

1. a narrow hill or ridge
2. drumlin

Etymology: see drumlin