drum machine

American  

noun

1. a device that simulates percussion sounds in various combinations and rhythms, and can alter digitally stored drum sounds or make digital recordings of drum sounds.

---

drum machine British  

noun

1. a synthesizer specially programmed to reproduce the sound of drums and other percussion instruments in variable rhythms and combinations selected by the musician; the resulting beat is produced continually until stopped or changed

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

drum machine

“Tonic” is one of several tracks in which the hurdy-gurdy is processed to resemble a snarling guitar, and a drum machine implies a relationship to experimental rock.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 3, 2026

The drum machine beat was further popularized by Shabba Ranks’ 1990 “Dem Bow,” a staple in the reggae dancehall scene.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 2024

And the introduction of the Roland TR-808 drum machine moved things along further.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2023

Adjuah mixes in the odd SPD-SX drum machine or other synthesized percussion, but the album features almost nothing but acoustic percussion, vocals and the occasional sound of trees rustling or birds cawing.

From New York Times ● Jul. 27, 2023

I told myself to stay calm, but my heart thrummed like a drum machine.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs