steel drum

noun

1. Music.,  a bowl-shaped percussion instrument common in the West Indies, made from a steel barrel divided into sections producing different notes when struck.

Word History and Origins

Origin of steel drum¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

In essence, it was a big raft, with tall, reinforced sides on 60 empty steel drums for buoyancy, towed by motorboat.

From Salon

The party began with steel drums on Saturday evening, then children took over Sunday's parade.

From BBC

Just a girl standing in front of a boy... surrounded by steel drums and dancers in sparkly, feathered costumes.

From BBC

He was equally compelling on acoustic guitar for Jane’s trademark lyrically and musically poignant true tale “Jane Says,” backed by bongos and steel drums.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Dudley stirred the formulas in steel drums with a spatula the size of a canoe paddle.

From New York Times