drumbeat
UK: ˈdrʌm.biːt | US: ˈdrʌm.biːt
n. the rhythmic sound produced by beating a drum
n. a repetitive or insistent pattern or message
The word "drumbeat" is a straightforward compound of "drum" (from Middle Dutch "tromme," meaning a percussion instrument) and "beat" (from Old English "bēatan," meaning to strike). The combination reflects the literal action of striking a drum to produce rhythm. Over time, it also gained figurative use to describe persistent or repetitive patterns in speech, propaganda, or events.
The steady drumbeat echoed through the forest during the ceremony.
Protesters marched to the drumbeat of civil rights slogans.
The drumbeat of rain on the roof lulled her to sleep.
News headlines repeated the drumbeat of economic crisis.
His heart pounded like a drumbeat as he waited for the results.