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strum

1
[ struhm ]
/ strÊŒm /
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See synonyms for: strum / strumming on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), strummed, strum·ming.
to play on (a stringed musical instrument) by running the fingers lightly across the strings.
to produce (notes, a melody, etc.) by such playing: to strum a tune.
verb (used without object), strummed, strum·ming.
to play on a stringed musical instrument by running the fingers lightly across the strings.
noun
the act of strumming.
the sound produced by strumming.
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Origin of strum

1
1765–75; perhaps blend of string and thrum1

OTHER WORDS FROM strum

strummer, noun

Other definitions for strum (2 of 2)

strum2
[ struhm ]
/ strÊŒm /

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

Origin of strum

2
Origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use strum in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for strum

strum
/ (strÊŒm) /

verb strums, strumming or strummed
to sound (the strings of a guitar, banjo, etc) with a downward or upward sweep of the thumb or of a plectrum
to play (chords, a tune, etc) in this way

Derived forms of strum

strummer, noun

Word Origin for strum

C18: probably of imitative origin; see thrum 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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