snare drum

noun

1. a small double-headed drum, carried at the side or placed on a stationary stand, having snares across the lower head to produce a rattling or reverberating effect.

snare drum

noun

1. music a cylindrical drum with two drumheads, the upper of which is struck and the lower fitted with a snare See snare 2

snare drum

1. A shallow cylindrical drum, with wires or pieces of catgut (snares) stretched across the bottom skin to give a sharp, rattling sound when the top skin is struck. Snare drums are used in orchestras and in nearly all kinds of bands.

Word History and Origins

Origin of snare drum¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

For a few seconds, the parade marched on, the roll of snare drums, the chatter of children, the footsteps of the band members lingering in the air.

From Washington Post

It offers a utility in its aura — of tastefulness, of craftsmanship, of its knowledge of cool and unimpeachable things, including Otis Redding’s growl and the RZA’s snare drum sounds.

From Washington Post

And the young man ran the thing over his tongue like a treble drag on a snare-drum.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes,” grumbled Hank, disjointedly, “but the snare-drum solo my teeth are doing may make noise enough to give me away.

From Project Gutenberg

Skeezicks, who played the big horn, accused the cornet and the snare-drum of stealing his cold lunch.

From Project Gutenberg

Beagle brought into the country an old snare drum, which gave out a very crazy sound.

From Project Gutenberg

"I mustn't look at the new moon through a knot hole and I must beware of the flute and the snare drum," said Mr. Biggs.

From Project Gutenberg