tom-tom
a drum of American Indian or Asian origin, commonly played with the hands.
a dully repetitious drumbeat or similar sound.
Origin of tom-tom
1- Also tam-tam.
Words Nearby tom-tom
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use tom-tom in a sentence
Was it in the tented field With crash of sword on shield, While backward meaner champions reeled And loud the tom-tom pealed?
The Book of Humorous Verse | Various"Oh, Tom—Tom Slade——" he said, a feeling of great relief taking possession of him.
Tom Slade with the Colors | Percy K. FitzhughRead a paper of prodigious length; beat the tom-tom for nearly an hour.
In case of war, the whole country side can be quickly aroused, but the «tom-tom» is also used during peace as a telegraph.
A Journal of a Tour in the Congo Free State | Marcus DormanTim Tim and Tom Tom followed the sound of the answering call until they came to a beautiful woodland glade.
Friendly Fairies | Johnny Gruelle
British Dictionary definitions for tom-tom
a drum associated either with the American Indians or with Eastern cultures, usually beaten with the hands as a signalling instrument
a standard cylindrical drum, normally with one drumhead
a monotonous drumming or beating sound
(tr) informal to pass (information, esp gossip) around a community very quickly
Origin of tom-tom
1Collins 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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