Standard Lemma guide

strumstrum

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Any stringed musical instrument that is played with the fingertips, especially one considered to be foreign.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: archaic, derogatory, often

Examples

  • 1728, George Carleton (attributed to Daniel Defoe), The Memoirs of an English Officer, London: E. Symon, p. 279, Their Guitars, if not their Sole, are their darling Instruments, and what they most delight in: Tho’ in my Opinion our English Sailors are not much amiss in giving them the Title of Strum Strums.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Probably from strum; compare also humstrum.