# drum

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈdɹʌm/ · frequency rank #5,958

## Definitions
1. A percussive musical instrument spanned with a thin covering on at least one end for striking, forming an acoustic chamber; a membranophone.
2. Any similar hollow, cylindrical object.
3. A barrel or large cylindrical container for liquid transport and storage.
4. Synonym of construction barrel.
5. The encircling wall that supports a dome or cupola.
6. Any of the cylindrical blocks that make up the shaft of a pillar.
7. A drumfish (family Sciaenidae).
8. A tip; a piece of information.
9. The ear.

## Etymology
Perhaps back-formation from drumslade (“drummer”), from Middle Dutch trommelslach (“drumbeat”), from trommel (“drum”) + slach (“beat”) (Dutch slag).
Or perhaps borrowed directly from a continental Germanic language; compare Middle Dutch tromme (“drum”), Middle Low German trumme (“drum”) et al. Compare also Middle High German trumme, trumbe (“drum”), Old High German trumba (“trumpet”).

## Easily confused with
- **due** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-due)
- **dry** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dry)
- **duo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-duo)
- **dug** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dug)
- **dub** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dub)
- **duh** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-duh)
- **DUI** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dui)
- **dun** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dun)
- **dum** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dum)
- **DSM** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dsm)
- **dup** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dup)
- **dud** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dud)
- **duc** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-duc)
- **dur** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dur)
- **dua** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dua)
- **dumb** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dumb)
- **dump** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-dump)
- **duma** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-duma)
- **drunk** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-drunk)
- **drums** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/drum-vs-drums)

## Common misspellings (6)
`ddrum`, `drmu`, `drrum`, `drumm`, `durm`, `rdum`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/drum