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

Example Sentences

After a quiet period for the band, as drummer Larry Mullen Jr recovered from neck surgery, the two EPs follow confirmation last year that a new studio album is being recorded.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Bad Omens — with singer Noah Sebastian, bassist Nicholas Ruffilo, guitarist Joakim Karlsson and drummer Nick Folio — are not brand new.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Revered producer and saxophonist Josh Johnson, guitarist Jeff Parker, bassist Anna Butterss and drummer Deantoni Parks also bring their considerable chops to the mix, evoking divergent moods while maintaining a signature exuberance throughout.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

The drummer Ginger Baker said he sported an SS officer’s cap because the war was “not a thing to forget or let happen again.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

A repeating pattern showing the famous trio of drummer boy, fife player, and lame old man.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides