strum
verb (used with object)
to play on (a stringed musical instrument) by running the fingers lightly across the strings.
strumming
-
present participleof strum.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He took out his guitar, started strumming, and soon created the folk song that would become an anthem for his small opposition group, Not In My Backyard Imperial.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026
As they shot the breeze, McCartney started strumming.
From BBC ● May 27, 2026
But then we see him at the top of the cliff, strumming the banjo that Maude gave him, choosing to live, although he’d just lost what led him to come to the conclusion.
From Salon ● Feb. 17, 2026
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.
From Barron's ● Nov. 14, 2025
A singer accompanied by a guitar picking or strumming chords.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
