drum major

noun

1. the marching leader of a drum corps or a band.

drum major

noun

1. the noncommissioned officer, usually of warrant officer's rank, who is appointed to command the corps of drums of a military band and who is in command of both the drums and the band when paraded together

Word History and Origins

Origin of drum major¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice.

From Washington Post

Champion shared the same dream of becoming a drum major at FAMU, and after trying out for the band twice he was invited to join.

From The Daily Beast

He secured the role of drum major in his high school marching band and got accepted to Florida A&M in 2005.

From The Daily Beast

The speech made by the Drum-Major of Sedition has a strong ironical tendency.

From Project Gutenberg

Without facing about, each captain or special unit commander, except the drum major, commands: 1.

From Project Gutenberg

The drum major conducts the band to a position 30 paces in rear of the column, if not already there, and opens ranks.

From Project Gutenberg

The field music sounds the march, flourishes, or ruffles, and to the color at the signal of the drum major.

From Project Gutenberg

A second immediately followed, carrying away a few bayonets and the drum-major's cane.

From Project Gutenberg