What does strum mean?
Strum means to play the strings of a guitar, banjo, ukulele, or similar instrument by sweeping a hand or pick across them, usually to create a rhythmic accompaniment. The action is often repeated and may involve chords, melodies, or simple rhythmic patterns. In everyday use, “strum a guitar” is especially common, while “strum a chord” describes playing several strings together. The word can also refer to the sound produced by this technique. Strumming is characteristic of folk, folk-rock, country, and many contemporary styles, but it is not limited to any one genre. Unlike picking individual notes, strumming emphasizes the movement of the hand across the strings and the resulting texture of the accompaniment.
To play the strings of a guitar or similar instrument by brushing or sweeping them with the fingers or a pick.
"They strummed quietly while waiting for the rain to stop."
The verb can be transitive, as in “strum a chord,” or intransitive, as in “he strums while walking.”
The act or sound of playing a stringed instrument by brushing or sweeping the strings.
"The singer ended the song with a final strum of the guitar."
The noun is less common than the verb and is often used when referring to a particular stroke or accompanying rhythm.
Used for individual acts or strokes of strumming.
"Each verse began with a few bright strums of the guitar."
A few sweeping strokes can turn six guitar strings into a full rhythm section.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strum come from?
The English word “strum” is first recorded in the late nineteenth century. Its precise origin is uncertain, and it may have developed from an imitative representation of the sound or movement involved in playing the instrument. The word became established in English for the act of playing stringed instruments by brushing the strings, especially the guitar.
Related word forms
How strum is actually used
Strum is commonly used for guitars and other plucked or strummed string instruments. It describes the motion of brushing or sweeping across the strings, rather than picking individual notes with a pick.
Easily confused with strum
Strum means to play stringed-instrument strings, whereas strangle means to choke or suffocate someone or something.
Strum is an action performed on a stringed instrument, while thumb is a finger or a part of the hand.