tom-tom

[ tom-tom ]

noun

1. a drum of American Indian or Asian origin, commonly played with the hands.
2. a dully repetitious drumbeat or similar sound.

tom-tom

noun

1. a drum associated either with the American Indians or with Eastern cultures, usually beaten with the hands as a signalling instrument
2. a standard cylindrical drum, normally with one drumhead
3. a monotonous drumming or beating sound

verb

1. informal.
   tr to pass (information, esp gossip) around a community very quickly

Word History and Origins

Origin of tom-tom¹

First recorded in 1685–95, tom-tom is from the Hindi word ṭamṭam

Word History and Origins

Origin of tom-tom¹

C17: from Hindi tamtam, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Was it in the tented field With crash of sword on shield, While backward meaner champions reeled And loud the tom-tom pealed?

From Project Gutenberg

"Oh, Tom—Tom Slade——" he said, a feeling of great relief taking possession of him.

From Project Gutenberg

Read a paper of prodigious length; beat the tom-tom for nearly an hour.

From Project Gutenberg

In case of war, the whole country side can be quickly aroused, but the «tom-tom» is also used during peace as a telegraph.

From Project Gutenberg

Tim Tim and Tom Tom followed the sound of the answering call until they came to a beautiful woodland glade.

From Project Gutenberg