bass drum

American  

[beys] / beɪs /

noun

1. the largest and lowest toned of drums, having a cylindrical body and two membrane heads.

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bass drum British  

/ beɪs /

noun

1. Also called: gran cassa.  a large shallow drum of low and indefinite pitch

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bass drum Cultural  

1. The large drum with a cylindrical shape that gives the strong beat in brass bands.

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Etymology

Origin of bass drum

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Here are some facts that will help you understand why it’s so very hard to stay cool in your home when the sun is beating on it like a bass drum.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024

Lives Lived: In 1973, John Adams brought his bass drum to a Cleveland Indians game.

From New York Times • Feb. 3, 2023

During his first summer as a professional actor, Bonneville played the bass drum in “Romeo and Juliet,” the cymbal in “Midsummer Night’s Dream” and an officer in Shaw’s “Arms and the Man.”

From Washington Post • Nov. 7, 2022

Zoe Walker, 28, from Bedfordshire, painted a bass drum head for George Ezra which was shown at the concert to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

From BBC • Jul. 13, 2022

Ivy sank onto the other bed, facing her dad, her heart a bass drum in her chest.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake