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

He also enjoys reading, ping-pong and badminton, and he plays the snare drum in his middle school band.

From New York Times

The sharp crack of a snare drum, shuffling at an insistent martial clip, is what first kicks “Civil War” into gear.

From Los Angeles Times

The most notorious of these is the entrance of the cartoony-yet-vicious Mouse King — and an accompanying snare drum hit that can be a loud surprise even for grown-ups.

From Seattle Times

Seven songs into the vigorous new Rolling Stones album, and there it is: the instantly identifiable thwack of Charlie Watts’ snare drum.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Lightbody added the drummer's nickname is 'thunderclap' because he "hit the snare drum so hard he was prone to smash right through the drumskin."

From BBC