strum

¹

[struhm]

verb (used with object)

strummed, strumming 

1. to play on (a stringed musical instrument) by running the fingers lightly across the strings.

2. to produce (notes, a melody, etc.) by such playing.

   to strum a tune.

verb (used without object)

strummed, strumming 

1. to play on a stringed musical instrument by running the fingers lightly across the strings.

noun

1. the act of strumming.

2. the sound produced by strumming.

strum

²

[struhm]

noun

1. a strainer, as at the inlet of a system of tubing.

strum

/ strʌm /

verb

1. to sound (the strings of a guitar, banjo, etc) with a downward or upward sweep of the thumb or of a plectrum

2. to play (chords, a tune, etc) in this way

Other Word Forms

• strummer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strum¹

1765–75; perhaps blend of string and thrum ¹

Origin of strum²

Origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of strum¹

C18: probably of imitative origin; see _thrum ¹

Example Sentences

Instead, a good 50% of the tracks retreat to safer ground - slowly strummed songs of devotion, packed with valentine card sentiments.

From BBC

It's used to heart-wrenching effect on their debut album, singing of the physical ache of unrequited love, over delicately strummed guitars and brushed drums.

From BBC

He began at midday on Wednesday and with a plan to strum his last chord at 18:00 BST on Thursday, he could end up beating the previous official record by six hours.

From BBC

It’s also true that Don is rock’s first great rhythm guitarist, his strident acoustic strum powering ”Wake Up Little Susie” and others.

From Los Angeles Times

“KPop Demon Hunters” strums some the same chords in a more innocent key, swapping in a K-pop trio for Delta blues masters.

From Salon