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Definition of strum

strum

/strʌm/
strum
Plural:strums
•
Past Simple:strummed
•
Past Participle:strummed
•
Present Participle:strumming
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strum Lexical Profile

strum Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To play a stringed musical instrument, or a tune or chord on it, by sweeping the thumb, fingers, or a plectrum up or down across the strings.

Example

"She sat on the porch steps and began to strum a gentle melody on her ukulele."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for strum

• noun

1

An act or sound of sweeping the fingers or a plectrum across the strings of a musical instrument.

Example

"With a final resonant strum of his acoustic guitar, the folk singer concluded the evening performance."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for strum

• Rhymes for strum

• Nearby Words

strudel
struggle
struggler
strum
struma
struma river
strummer

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 18th century, the word is of imitative origin, likely blending an initial s- sound with 'thrum' or 'drum' to mimic the resonant sound of fingers sweeping across strings.

Cite this Entry

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