strum

¹

[ struhm ]

verb (used with object)

, strummed, strum·ming.

1. to play on (a stringed musical instrument) by running the fingers lightly across the strings.
2. to produce (notes, a melody, etc.) by such playing:

   to strum a tune.

verb (used without object)

, strummed, strum·ming.

1. to play on a stringed musical instrument by running the fingers lightly across the strings.

noun

1. the act of strumming.
2. the sound produced by strumming.

strum

²

[ struhm ]

noun

1. a strainer, as at the inlet of a system of tubing.

strum

/ strʌm /

verb

1. to sound (the strings of a guitar, banjo, etc) with a downward or upward sweep of the thumb or of a plectrum
2. to play (chords, a tune, etc) in this way

Derived Forms

• ˈstrummer, noun

Other Words From

• strummer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strum¹

1765–75; perhaps blend of string and thrum ¹

Origin of strum²

Origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of strum¹

C18: probably of imitative origin; see thrum ¹

Example Sentences

Afternoons would be spent relaxing, Díaz knitting while her husband strummed guitar.

From Los Angeles Times

As for the crowd, no one sang along, and any clapping was done mostly between songs, as everyone focused on hearing the exquisitely intricate strumming.

From Los Angeles Times

As she experiments between strumming up and down, the forceful strike gives the stringed instrument a more percussive feel.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m poisoned, and I don’t feel well,” he murmurs against a strummed acoustic guitar, the quiet confessions of one tough talker bringing a bleak kind of comfort to another.

From Los Angeles Times

Her raspy but commanding voice is one you cannot miss when she strums her guitar or banjo.

From Salon