drum machine

American  

noun

1. a device that simulates percussion sounds in various combinations and rhythms, and can alter digitally stored drum sounds or make digital recordings of drum sounds.

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drum machine British  

noun

1. a synthesizer specially programmed to reproduce the sound of drums and other percussion instruments in variable rhythms and combinations selected by the musician; the resulting beat is produced continually until stopped or changed

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Example Sentences

“Tonic” is one of several tracks in which the hurdy-gurdy is processed to resemble a snarling guitar, and a drum machine implies a relationship to experimental rock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

The British singer and his band trade instruments with a sense of ease — splitting their time among a cello, keyboards, synthesizers, a drum machine, electric and acoustic guitars.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

Inside, he’s in the company of his drum machine, a turntable, synthesizers and his vinyl collection.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2025

However, he said the technology could only be useful "as a tool" - like the drum machine and the sampler before it.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2023

It was a drum machine making its lumbering way down the street Wide as a house, it shimmered with the movement of its dozens of mechanical arms, bashing away at every size of drum.

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld