bass drum

American  

[beys] / beɪs /

noun

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

---

bass drum British  

/ beɪs /

noun

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

---

bass drum Cultural  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of bass drum

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Producer Brian Eno cited “Fresh” as the pivotal and irreversible production moment when “the rhythm instruments, particularly the bass drum and bass, suddenly become the important instruments in the mix.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2025

All but one song is written by Cato and on one tune alone, he’s credited with acoustic guitar, bass, drums, tambourine, seed shaker, concert bass drum, lead vocals and background vocals.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 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