drum machine

noun

: an electronic device that simulates the sound of drums

Examples of drum machine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Southhall, 22-year-old Kuljit Bhamra was using the first Roland synthesizer created and a CR-8000 drum machine to make disco and funk beats. Vrinda Jagota, Pitchfork, 27 June 2026 Channel 2 is a dedicated instrument/line input for directly recording of an electric guitar, synthesizer or drum machine. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 At times, the rustic combination of early drum machines and Anderson’s atmospheric melodies hits a sweet spot. Ernesto Lechner, SPIN, 25 May 2026 Wall of Sound pop, ticky-tacky drum machines and synths; his storytelling brings a bohemian world into focus through arch aphorisms, dirty jokes and rhymes that scan impeccably. New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drum machine

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drum machine was in 1976

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drum machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drum%20machine. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster