tom-tom

American  

[tom-tom] / ˈtɒmˌtɒm /

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 British  

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

Etymology

Origin of tom-tom

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

Example Sentences

So the repeating tom-tom pulse in “No Reply,” when paired with his half-spoken delivery, brings to mind a digital grid mapped to an atomic clock where every element is locked into place.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 21, 2025

Try to imagine the Beatles' "Come Together" without Ringo's innovative tom-tom roll.

From Salon • Nov. 22, 2021

It is very clear here, a song about alienation and electro-convulsive therapy, vocals hidden amid trebly, reverb-heavy guitars, drums heavy on tom-tom thunder.

From The Guardian • May 21, 2020

“I’d like to see how the primary unfolds,” Drummond said over the pounding tom-tom rhythm.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2019

Her talk followed us in the halls and filled our ears like our little brother’s tom-tom, which is to say, unbearable.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez