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

Hideg set up his snare drum in the company of pianist Cengiz Yaltkaya, alto saxophonist Jay Golden and guitarist Leo Vaz.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2023

"Then we noticed even if he was standing right next to his step-dad, who plays the snare drum, he wouldn't flinch," she said.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2022

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

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen