red drum

noun

, Ichthyology.

1. a large, edible fish, Sciaenops ocellatus, living in waters off the Atlantic coast of the United States: noted for the drumming sound made by the males when spawning.

Word History and Origins

Origin of red drum¹

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

Example Sentences

The boiler, a great red drum of rust, stood directly in front of her.

From Project Gutenberg

The little red drum was put back into the bed, and the Brownie tried another big one.

From Project Gutenberg

The Brownie took up a little red drum, and gave it a thump with a drum stick.

From Project Gutenberg