drummer

American  

[druhm-er] / ˈdrʌm ər /

noun

1. a person who plays a drum.

2. a commercial traveler or traveling sales representative.

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idioms

1. march to a different drummer, to be motivated by a different set of values than the average person.

drummer British  

/ ˈdrʌmə /

noun

1. a person who plays a drum or set of drums

2. a salesman, esp a travelling salesman

3. slang the slowest shearer in a team

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drummer More Idioms  

1. see march to a different beat (drummer).

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Etymology

Origin of drummer

First recorded in 1565–75; drum ¹ + -er ¹

Explanation

A drummer is a musician who plays the drums. The drummer in a rock band might play a huge set of many different drums and other percussion instruments. A professional drummer could play in a marching band, a classical symphony, or a country and western group. A casual drummer can be someone who taps on the bongoes in a city park or takes drumming lessons and practices in her basement. The word drummer comes from drum, which has a Germanic, imitative root — it's a word that sounds like its meaning.

Example Sentences

That's what the former Beatles drummer says when asked if we should call him Sir.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

I imagine it's a hard job being Ringo Starr's drummer.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Up next were The Doors, who were represented by drummer John Densmore.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

Reuniting with original drummer Carlos, the band played a scorching set that had the crowd on its feet.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Whether disguised as Ben Franklin or a lowly drummer boy, he always acted a role in the elaborately staged pageants which he wrote and directed.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin