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

And to be able to serve as bandleader and drum leader, or drum major, for a group of incredible musicians is an absolute dream.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2025

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

For Lill, a senior who plays alto saxophone, there were two moments in her life that made her want to be a drum major, she said, the first being in fifth grade.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 24, 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