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

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

The drum major and French horn player helped lead the Anna High School marching band to the state finals in November 2021, the farthest the team had ever advanced.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 16, 2023

Then she pulled herself up like a drum major about to march at the head of her words.

From "Dead End in Norvelt" by Jack Gantos