Used to express actions, events, or states that have not yet occurred but are expected to happen.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His staff, meanwhile, has spent hours handing out literal flyers on campus, hopeful that it will drum up interest.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2025
The Australians hope their Olympic bid will drum up interest in the sport among their fellow Aussies, and lead to a dedicated curling rink in their home country.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 31, 2022
Sometimes they need coaxing to come out, so people will drum on the ground to mimic the sounds of rain.
From Scientific American ● Jun. 4, 2013
“The Silver Star” will drum up suspense, “God willing and the creek don’t rise.”
From New York Times ● May 29, 2013
I will drum the whole catechism into thee when we drink together tomorrow.
From The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 06 Masterpieces of German Literature Translated into English. in Twenty Volumes by Kuno Francke
