strum
verb (used with object)
to play on (a stringed musical instrument) by running the fingers lightly across the strings.
were strumming
-
past progressiveof strum.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
If the windows were open, Alice later recalled, a strong breeze would make the strings hum, as though some invisible force were strumming them.
From The New Yorker ● Apr. 17, 2017
While other Woodstock-era kids were strumming their Fenders to emulate Jimi Hendrix or Jimmy Page, Yankovic was learning “Dipsy Doodle” with Mrs. Fesenmeyer.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 16, 2017
An hour later, saved by darkness, the deckhands "were strumming a guitar and ukulele, singing their version of American jazz tunes, vintage 1930."
From Time Magazine Archive
After the banquet the court repaired to the dancing-hall, where already the musicians were strumming upon their instruments, so that everyone's feet began to move rhythmically.
From The Faery Tales of Weir by Sholl, Anna McClure
In an angle a group of violinists were strumming an inanity of Strauss with perfect independence of one another.
From The Truth About Tristrem Varick A Novel by Saltus, Edgar
