drum
UK[drʌm]US[drʌm]
n
A musical instrument consisting of a hollow frame with a skin stretched tightly across it, played by hitting it with sticks or the hands.
n
A cylindrical container or object.
v
To play a drum.
v
To tap or beat something continuously and rhythmically.
Etymology
The word 'drum' entered English in the mid-16th century, likely from the Middle Dutch word 'tromme'. Its ultimate origin is onomatopoeic, imitating the low, resonant sound produced by the instrument. This imitative quality connects it to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as German 'Trommel' and Swedish 'trumma'. The meaning expanded from the musical instrument to describe any similar hollow cylindrical object, based on shared shape and acoustic properties.
Analysis
The word 'drum' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a single, unanalyzable morpheme in modern English.
Examples
The steady beat of the drum set the pace for the marching band.
She stored the old photographs in a large metal drum.
He would drum his fingers on the desk while he thought.