thrum

1 of 4

verb (1)

ˈthrəm 

thrummed; thrumming

intransitive verb

1

: to sound with a monotonous hum

2

: to play or pluck a stringed instrument idly : strum

transitive verb

1

: to play (something, such as a stringed instrument) in an idle or relaxed manner

2

: to recite tiresomely or monotonously

thrum

2 of 4

noun (1)

: the monotonous sound of thrumming

thrum

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noun (2)

1

a(1)

: a fringe of warp threads left on the loom after the cloth has been removed

(2)

: one of these warp threads

b

: a tuft or short piece of rope yarn used in thrumming canvas

—usually used in plural

c

: bit, particle

2

: a hair, fiber, or threadlike leaf on a plant

also : a tuft or fringe of such structures

thrum adjective

thrum

4 of 4

verb (2)

thrummed; thrumming

transitive verb

1

: to furnish with thrums : fringe

2

: to insert short pieces of rope yarn or spun yarn in (a piece of canvas) to make a rough surface or a mat which can be wrapped about rigging to prevent chafing

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• burr
• buzz
• chirr
• churr
• drone
• hum
• purr
• whir
• whirr
• whiz
• whizz
• zoom

Examples of thrum in a Sentence

Noun (1)

the steady thrum of the turbines in the power plant

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Her head thrummed with anxiety at the thought of other Ukrainians dying from another attack somewhere nearby. —Hannah Poukish, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024

Adding more connectivity to this thrumming city, Qantas will begin new direct flights between Melbourne and Honolulu in May. —Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Nov. 2024

Noun

As the rhythm thrums, Xavi and JOP lay out lyrical dominance and tales of empire, narrating a journey fuelled by non-believers turned to staunch supporters. —Griselda Flores, Billboard, 6 Dec. 2024

Bose QuietComfort Noise-canceling Bluetooth Headphones Droning out excess noises while traveling, like the rumbling of airplanes’ jet engines or the low thrum of conversations, has never been easier with the most comfortable wireless, noise-canceling headphones that our testing team has tried. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

imitative

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Old English -thrum (in tungethrum ligament of the tongue); akin to Old High German drum fragment

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1592, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

Noun (1)

1798, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

thrum

verb

ˈthrəm

thrummed; thrumming

: to sound or speak with a steady or boring rhythm

thrum noun