thrum

1
[ thruhm ]
/ θrʌm /

verb (used without object), thrummed, thrum·ming.

to play on a stringed instrument, as a guitar, by plucking the strings, especially in an idle, monotonous, or unskillful manner; strum.
to sound when thrummed on, as a guitar or similar stringed instrument.
to drum or tap idly with the fingers.

verb (used with object), thrummed, thrum·ming.

noun

an act or sound of thrumming; dull, monotonous sound.

Origin of thrum

1
First recorded in 1545–55; imitative

OTHER WORDS FROM thrum

thrum·mer, noun

Definition for thrum (2 of 2)

thrum 2
[ thruhm ]
/ θrʌm /

noun

one of the ends of the warp threads in a loom, left unwoven and remaining attached to the loom when the web is cut off.
thrums, the row or fringe of such threads.
any short piece of waste thread or yarn; tuft, tassel, or fringe of threads, as at the edge of a piece of cloth.
Often thrums. Nautical. short bits of rope yarn used for making mats.

verb (used with object), thrummed, thrum·ming.

Nautical. to insert short pieces of rope yarn through (canvas) and thus give it a rough surface, as for wrapping about a part to prevent chafing.
to furnish or cover with thrums, ends of thread, or tufts.

Origin of thrum

2
before 1000; Middle English throm end-piece, Old English -thrum, in tungethrum ligament of the tongue, cognate with Old High German drum end-piece; akin to Old Norse thrǫmr brim, edge, Latin terminus, Greek térma end

Example sentences from the Web for thrum

British Dictionary definitions for thrum (1 of 2)

thrum 1
/ (θrʌm) /

verb thrums, thrumming or thrummed

to strum rhythmically but without expression on (a musical instrument)
(intr) to drum incessantly rain thrummed on the roof
to repeat (something) monotonously

noun

a repetitive strumming or recitation

Derived forms of thrum

thrummer, noun

Word Origin for thrum

C16: of imitative origin

British Dictionary definitions for thrum (2 of 2)

thrum 2
/ (θrʌm) textiles /

noun

  1. any of the unwoven ends of warp thread remaining on the loom when the web has been removed
  2. such ends of thread collectively
a fringe or tassel of short unwoven threads

verb thrums, thrumming or thrummed

(tr) to trim with thrums

Word Origin for thrum

C14: from Old English; related to Old High German drum remnant, Dutch dreum