strum

1 of 2

noun

: an act, instance, or sound of strumming

strum

2 of 2

verb

strummed; strumming

transitive verb

1
a
: to brush the fingers over the strings of (a musical instrument) in playing
strum a guitar
b
: to play (music) on a stringed instrument
strum a tune
2
: to cause to sound vibrantly
… winds strummed the rigging …H. A. Chippendale

intransitive verb

1
: to strum a stringed instrument
2
: to sound vibrantly
strummer noun

Examples of strum in a Sentence

Verb He strummed a tune on the guitar.
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.
Noun
Your left hand gets a 7-bar pad with 14 customizable assignments, while your right hand uses a pick-style strum knob with a dynamic up-down response. New Atlas, 21 June 2026 The two had strum-thing special on the Tunnel of Love tour in the summer of 1988. Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Verb
Musical performers may wear pantaloons or flowing gowns while strumming ancient instruments. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026 Instead, Winter was a focused musical presence, throwing himself into the songs, intensely strumming his guitar on the thrashiest material, moving his frame to match every shift in vocal tone. Steve Knopper, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for strum

Word History

Etymology

Noun

imitative

First Known Use

Noun

1764, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1777, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of strum was in 1764

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strum. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

strum

verb
ˈstrəm
strummed; strumming
: to play a stringed instrument by brushing the strings with the fingers
strummer noun

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