thrum
1[ thruhm ]
/ θrʌm /
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verb (used without object), thrummed, thrum·ming.
to play on a stringed instrument, as a guitar, by plucking the strings, especially in an idle, monotonous, or unskillful manner; strum.
to sound when thrummed on, as a guitar or similar stringed instrument.
to drum or tap idly with the fingers.
verb (used with object), thrummed, thrum·ming.
noun
an act or sound of thrumming; dull, monotonous sound.
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Origin of thrum
1First recorded in1545–55; imitative
OTHER WORDS FROM thrum
thrummer, nounOther definitions for thrum (2 of 2)
thrum2
[ thruhm ]
/ θrʌm /
noun
one of the ends of the warp threads in a loom, left unwoven and remaining attached to the loom when the web is cut off.
thrums, the row or fringe of such threads.
any short piece of waste thread or yarn; tuft, tassel, or fringe of threads, as at the edge of a piece of cloth.
Often thrums .Nautical. short bits of rope yarn used for making mats.
verb (used with object), thrummed, thrum·ming.
Nautical. to insert short pieces of rope yarn through (canvas) and thus give it a rough surface, as for wrapping about a part to prevent chafing.
to furnish or cover with thrums, ends of thread, or tufts.
Origin of thrum
2First recorded before 1000; Middle English noun thrum, thrum(m)e, “end-piece (from the warp of a loom)”, Old English -thrum (in tungethrum “ligament of the tongue”), cognate with Old High German drum “end-piece”; akin to Old Norse thrǫmr “brim, edge, verge,” Latin terminus, Greek térma “end”
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use thrum in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for thrum (1 of 2)
thrum1
/ (θrʌm) /
verb thrums, thrumming or thrummed
to strum rhythmically but without expression on (a musical instrument)
(intr) to drum incessantlyrain thrummed on the roof
to repeat (something) monotonously
noun
a repetitive strumming or recitation
Derived forms of thrum
thrummer, nounWord Origin for thrum
C16: of imitative origin
British Dictionary definitions for thrum (2 of 2)
thrum2
/ (θrʌm) textiles /
noun
- any of the unwoven ends of warp thread remaining on the loom when the web has been removed
- such ends of thread collectively
a fringe or tassel of short unwoven threads
verb thrums, thrumming or thrummed
(tr) to trim with thrums
Word Origin for thrum
C14: from Old English; related to Old High German drum remnant, Dutch dreum
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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