thrum

1 of 4

verb (1)

ˈthrəm

thrummed; thrumming

Synonyms of thrum next

intransitive verb

: to sound with a monotonous hum

: to play or pluck a stringed instrument idly : strum

transitive verb

: to play (something, such as a stringed instrument) in an idle or relaxed manner

: to recite tiresomely or monotonously

thrum

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noun (1)

: the monotonous sound of thrumming

thrum

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noun (2)

a(1)

: a fringe of warp threads left on the loom after the cloth has been removed

(2)

: one of these warp threads

: a tuft or short piece of rope yarn used in thrumming canvas

—usually used in plural

: bit, particle

: a hair, fiber, or threadlike leaf on a plant

also : a tuft or fringe of such structures

thrum adjective

thrum

4 of 4

verb (2)

thrummed; thrumming

transitive verb

: to furnish with thrums : fringe

: to insert short pieces of rope yarn or spun yarn in (a piece of canvas) to make a rough surface or a mat which can be wrapped about rigging to prevent chafing

Examples of thrum in a Sentence

Noun (1) the steady thrum of the turbines in the power plant

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.

Verb

In a vast Bangladeshi factory hall thrumming with sewing machines, garment workers churn out seemingly endless pairs of mountain hiking trousers for customers in Europe and North America. —

Chloe Berger, Fortune Asia, 9 Jan. 2025 Our cinema thrummed with families, not Elphaba green, but five borough shades. —

Caroline Aiken Koster, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2025

Noun

At night, the thrum of generators broke the quiet of the Shan Hills. —

Hannah Beech, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024 As the rhythm thrums, Xavi and JOP lay out lyrical dominance and tales of empire, narrating a journey fuelled by non-believers turned to staunch supporters. —

Griselda Flores, Billboard, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for thrum

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

imitative

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Old English -thrum (in tungethrum ligament of the tongue); akin to Old High German drum fragment

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1592, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

Noun (1)

1798, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of thrum was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Thrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thrum. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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Kids Definition

thrum

verb

ˈthrəm

thrummed; thrumming

: to sound or speak with a steady or boring rhythm

thrum noun

Last Updated: 14 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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thrum

verb (1)

noun (1)

noun (2)

verb (2)

Synonyms

Examples of thrum in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near thrum

Cite this Entry