strum

¹

[ struhm ]

verb (used with object)

, strummed, strum·ming.

1. to play on (a stringed musical instrument) by running the fingers lightly across the strings.
2. to produce (notes, a melody, etc.) by such playing:

   to strum a tune.

verb (used without object)

, strummed, strum·ming.

1. to play on a stringed musical instrument by running the fingers lightly across the strings.

noun

1. the act of strumming.
2. the sound produced by strumming.

strum

²

[ struhm ]

noun

1. a strainer, as at the inlet of a system of tubing.

strum

/ strʌm /

verb

1. to sound (the strings of a guitar, banjo, etc) with a downward or upward sweep of the thumb or of a plectrum
2. to play (chords, a tune, etc) in this way

Derived Forms

• ˈstrummer, noun

Other Words From

• strummer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strum¹

1765–75; perhaps blend of string and thrum ¹

Origin of strum²

Origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of strum¹

C18: probably of imitative origin; see thrum ¹

Example Sentences

An airy acoustic guitar begins to strum; a synthesized orchestra begins to swell.

From The Daily Beast

When Guy answered affirmatively, the stranger brought Guy to his apartment to strum some tunes for his wife.

From The Daily Beast

Angel was the possessor of a flute-like treble, and he could strum some sort of accompaniment on the piano to any song.

From Project Gutenberg

Almost every working-man has his girls taught to strum the piano.

From Project Gutenberg

They seemed to blaze, so bright were the colors, and so brilliant the jewels strum over the rich materials.

From Project Gutenberg

Around the hive the air was thick with the whirring mass and filled with the thrilling strum of innumerable wings.

From Project Gutenberg

There might he strum his heart out in the old way, and the world would never hear, for it has lost the ear for this kind of song.

From Project Gutenberg