drum major

American  

noun

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

---

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

---

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

“In the mold of Dr. King, he truly was a drum major for justice,” Cummings said.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 20, 2022

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

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison