thrum
1to play on a stringed instrument, as a guitar, by plucking the strings, especially in an idle, monotonous, or unskillful manner; strum.
to sound when thrummed on, as a guitar or similar stringed instrument.
to drum or tap idly with the fingers.
to play (a stringed instrument, or a melody on it) by plucking the strings, especially in an idle, monotonous, or unskillful manner; strum.
to drum or tap idly on.
to recite or tell in a monotonous way.
an act or sound of thrumming; dull, monotonous sound.
Origin of thrum
1Other words from thrum
- thrummer, noun
Other definitions for thrum (2 of 2)
one of the ends of the warp threads in a loom, left unwoven and remaining attached to the loom when the web is cut off.
thrums, the row or fringe of such threads.
any short piece of waste thread or yarn; tuft, tassel, or fringe of threads, as at the edge of a piece of cloth.
Often thrums .Nautical. short bits of rope yarn used for making mats.
Nautical. to insert short pieces of rope yarn through (canvas) and thus give it a rough surface, as for wrapping about a part to prevent chafing.
to furnish or cover with thrums, ends of thread, or tufts.
Origin of thrum
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use thrum in a sentence
In no time, the Latin American blogosphere was thrumming with jokes and parodies.
Venezuela Unveils Orwellian Ministry of Supreme Social Happiness | Mac Margolis | October 31, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTThis son has begun thrumming the strings of hereditary determinism, and is finding them holding taut.
Michael Hainey and Aleksandar Hemon’s Chicago Dreams | Chris Wallace | March 3, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTSfoot, coz, they stand thrumming here with me all day, and yet I get nothing.
Just like slamming into a stone wall, every rocket blew up its thrumming roar far short of the target.
Cue for Quiet | Thomas L. SherredFar off somewhere in the dark, an unseen musician was gently thrumming a fandango on his Spanish guitar.
West Wind Drift | George Barr McCutcheon
Her cheeks were rosy with the happy thrumming of her heart; a delirious beat was in her temples.
The Last Shot | Frederick PalmerEvery rope and shroud was thrumming and screeching in resistance to the fierce weight of the squall.
Jerry of the Islands | Jack London
British Dictionary definitions for thrum (1 of 2)
/ (θrʌm) /
to strum rhythmically but without expression on (a musical instrument)
(intr) to drum incessantly: rain thrummed on the roof
to repeat (something) monotonously
a repetitive strumming or recitation
Origin of thrum
1Derived forms of thrum
- thrummer, noun
British Dictionary definitions for thrum (2 of 2)
/ (θrʌm) textiles /
any of the unwoven ends of warp thread remaining on the loom when the web has been removed
such ends of thread collectively
a fringe or tassel of short unwoven threads
(tr) to trim with thrums
Origin of thrum
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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