tom-tom

[ tom-tom ]

/ ˈtɒmˌtɒm /

a drum of American Indian or Asian origin, commonly played with the hands.

a dully repetitious drumbeat or similar sound.

Also tam-tam.

Origin of tom-tom

First recorded in 1685–95, tom-tom is from the Hindi word ṭamṭam

The tom-tom burst forth, the chants became louder, the dance swifter.

The Sheep Eaters |William Alonzo Allen
He had heard all kinds of music, from the Spanish band to the Samoan tom-tom.

The Adventures of Uncle Jeremiah and Family at the Great Fair |Charles McCellan Stevens (AKA 'Quondam')
In the Congo they are haled by the tom-tom, which is the wireless of the woods.

An African Adventure |Isaac F. Marcosson
Was it in the tented field With crash of sword on shield, While backward meaner champions reeled And loud the tom-tom pealed?

The Book of Humorous Verse |Various

From the far distance the muffled beat of the tom-tom sounded.

The Palace of Darkened Windows |Mary Hastings Bradley

tom-tom

a drum associated either with the American Indians or with Eastern cultures, usually beaten with the hands as a signalling instrument

a standard cylindrical drum, normally with one drumhead

a monotonous drumming or beating sound

(tr) informal to pass (information, esp gossip) around a community very quickly

C17: from Hindi tamtam, of imitative origin