strum

¹ American  

[struhm] / strʌm /

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.

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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 American  

[struhm] / strʌm /

noun

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

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strum British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• strummer noun

Etymology

Origin of strum¹

1765–75; perhaps blend of string and thrum ¹

Origin of strum²

Origin uncertain

Explanation

To strum is to play a guitar or another stringed instrument by brushing the strings with your fingers. It's pretty easy to strum a ukulele, but it sounds better if you know some chords. You might tell the guitar player in your band, "Strum a few chords of that song we wrote yesterday." You can also strum idly on your sister's banjo without playing actual chords, just by running your thumb down the strings. Strum is a noun, too, meaning "the sound or act of strumming." This word dates from the 18th century, and experts think it's imitative, sounding a bit like an actual strum.

Example Sentences

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 • Aug. 28, 2025

She looked so at ease, and she was, cracking jokes with the moms in her native language and letting the kids strum on her guitar.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2024

But the rigorous process of interviews, followed by group activities and then a 60-second showcase, sees Mr Hall cut before the chance to strum a chord in front of judges.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2024

Ever since a couple of bandmates were late to rehearsal a decade earlier, when DeBardi first realized he could strum a guitar and strike a drum in the same motion, he’d occasionally performed solo.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 16, 2024

I strum my guitar and sing Celia Cruz’s “La vida es un carnaval,” and my mom joins in.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar