drum major

American  

noun

1. the marching leader of a drum corps or a band.

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drum major British  

noun

1. the noncommissioned officer, usually of warrant officer's rank, who is appointed to command the corps of drums of a military band and who is in command of both the drums and the band when paraded together

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Etymology

Origin of drum major

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

He was the drum major in his Granada Hills High School marching band, he told me, and he’s ready to lead.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

Paul Antonio Johnson led a procession along the perimeter, his high knees evoking a drum major in a marching band.

From New York Times • May 2, 2024

"The viewership for this game is on a seemingly inexorable march toward more viewers, and this year Taylor Swift may be playing the role of drum major," said Daniel Ladik, chief methodologist for the poll.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2024

After tearing our hair out over rising sea levels and 100-year hurricanes coming every five years, we can have a little giggle at the venture capitalists in drum major uniforms, as a treat.

From Slate • Sep. 6, 2023

Suddenly, the drum major saw the car and shook his cane-baton at me.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison