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Definition of rimshot

rimshot

/ˈrɪmˌʃɑːt/
rim · shot
Plural:rimshots
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rimshot Lexical Profile

rimshot Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A percussion technique in which the drumstick strikes the head and the rim of a drum simultaneously, producing a sharp, accented sound.

Example

"The drummer punctuated the end of the chorus with a crisp rimshot on the snare."

2

A short percussive flourish played on a snare drum and cymbal to punctuate the punchline of a joke.

Example

"After delivering his corny pun, he mimed a quick rimshot in the air and waited for the audience to groan."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for rimshot

Word Nuance & Usage

In popular comedy, a "rimshot" often refers loosely to the two-note drum and cymbal flourish ("ba-dum tss") played after a punchline, known technically to percussionists as a "sting."

• Nearby Words

rimless
rimmer
rimming
rimshot
rind
rindless
ring

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rimshot. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rimshot
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