strum

¹

[struhm]

noun

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

strum

²

[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

/ 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

Origin uncertain

Origin of strum²

1765–75; perhaps blend of string and thrum ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of strum¹

C18: probably of imitative origin; see _thrum ¹

Example Sentences

"I've wanted to take up the guitar ever since I seen my granda play. I was only six or seven when I started trying to strum his guitar."

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Women wearing long wigs and ornate traditional dresses milled around a pebbled courtyard, stopping to snap photos under a pavilion, as the melodious strumming of the Chinese zither played in the background.

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"All we talk about is work and weather… God I hate this / Why are you acting like you haven't seen me naked?" she agonises over the acoustic strum of Small Talk.

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

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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.

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