strum

1 of 2

noun

ˈstrəm 

: an act, instance, or sound of strumming

strum

2 of 2

verb

strummed; strumming

transitive verb

1

a

: to brush the fingers over the strings of (a musical instrument) in playing

strum a guitar

also : thrum entry 1 sense 1

b

: to play (music) on a stringed instrument

strum a tune

2

: to cause to sound vibrantly

winds strummed the rigging

—H. A. Chippendale

intransitive verb

1

: to strum a stringed instrument

2

: to sound vibrantly

strummer noun

Examples of strum in a Sentence

Verb

He strummed a tune on the guitar.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

When the track fully kicks in, the different elements in the busy mix get equal attention, with the bassline, guitar strums, drums, and vocals all identifiable and detailed. —PCMAG, 10 July 2024

The mics picked up their unspoken thoughts along with every muffled thump and strum, while Lenker pondered flowers, blood, potatoes, sparrows, apples, lovers, loss, skin, memory. —Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2024

Verb

Swift enthusiastically strummed an air guitar in a gingham Reformation dress that matched her signature red pout. —Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024

An hour before the event began, the line stretched down the block, past an anti-vaccine activist strumming a guitar, his case open to receive tips. —Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

imitative

First Known Use

Noun

1764, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1777, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

strum

verb

ˈstrəm

strummed; strumming

: to play a stringed instrument by brushing the strings with the fingers

strummer noun