snare drum

American  

noun

1. a small double-headed drum, carried at the side or placed on a stationary stand, having snares across the lower head to produce a rattling or reverberating effect.

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snare drum British  

noun

1. music a cylindrical drum with two drumheads, the upper of which is struck and the lower fitted with a snare See snare 2

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snare drum Cultural  

1. A shallow cylindrical drum, with wires or pieces of catgut (snares) stretched across the bottom skin to give a sharp, rattling sound when the top skin is struck. Snare drums are used in orchestras and in nearly all kinds of bands.

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Etymology

Origin of snare drum

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The closing number, “Match-Lit,” features a moody production with a clanging snare drum and bits of pedal-steel guitar.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 30, 2025

He also enjoys reading, ping-pong and badminton, and he plays the snare drum in his middle school band.

From New York Times • May 30, 2024

The most notorious of these is the entrance of the cartoony-yet-vicious Mouse King — and an accompanying snare drum hit that can be a loud surprise even for grown-ups.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 1, 2023

Seven songs into the vigorous new Rolling Stones album, and there it is: the instantly identifiable thwack of Charlie Watts’ snare drum.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2023

The snare drum rolls, and she stops, her mouth open in mock surprise.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen