strum

1 of 2

noun

: 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
b
: to play (music) on a stringed instrument
strum a tune
2
: to cause to sound vibrantly
winds strummed the riggingH. 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
When the track properly kicks in, the drums, guitar strums, bassline, and vocals all receive plenty of attention and none is eclipsed by the others, though the vocals do sit just slightly in the background against the cymbals and bass. PC Magazine, 16 June 2025 His voice and guitar strums spark a hallucinatory sequence in which different times collide. Nick Romano, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
Before the end of the world comes, why not strum with a smile? Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 June 2025 Utility man John McFee, who joined in 1980, adds violin while Michael McDonald, who returned to the group in 2019, strums away on a mandolin from behind his keyboard. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for strum

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of strum was in 1764

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strum. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

strum

verb
ˈstrəm
strummed; strumming
: to play a stringed instrument by brushing the strings with the fingers
strummer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on strum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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