drummer

American  

[druhm-er] / ˈdrʌm ər /

noun

1. a person who plays a drum.

2. a commercial traveler or traveling sales representative.

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idioms

1. march to a different drummer, to be motivated by a different set of values than the average person.

drummer British  

/ ˈdrʌmə /

noun

1. a person who plays a drum or set of drums

2. a salesman, esp a travelling salesman

3. slang the slowest shearer in a team

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drummer More Idioms  

1. see march to a different beat (drummer).

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Etymology

Origin of drummer

First recorded in 1565–75; drum ¹ + -er ¹

Explanation

A drummer is a musician who plays the drums. The drummer in a rock band might play a huge set of many different drums and other percussion instruments. A professional drummer could play in a marching band, a classical symphony, or a country and western group. A casual drummer can be someone who taps on the bongoes in a city park or takes drumming lessons and practices in her basement. The word drummer comes from drum, which has a Germanic, imitative root — it's a word that sounds like its meaning.

Example Sentences

Up next were The Doors, who were represented by drummer John Densmore.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

They want a drummer named Charlie Watts to join them, but Watts is already playing with three other bands while working at an advertising agency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Last month, at Beyond the Streets gallery on La Brea Avenue, Dead City’s four members — singer Mike, drummer Grumpy, guitarist Meka and bassist Adrian — met for a rare interview.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

An avid drummer herself, Takaichi played in a Deep Purple tribute band as a girl after becoming a fan in primary school.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

The other three guys in the band were Ennio, who plays the drums and is considered to be this prodigy drummer, Harry on lead guitar, and Elijah on bass guitar.

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio