drumming
UK: ˈdrʌmɪŋ | US: ˈdrʌmɪŋ
n. the act of playing a drum or producing rhythmic sounds by striking a surface
n. a continuous rhythmic noise resembling drumbeats (e.g., rain drumming on a roof)
v. (present participle of drum) to play a drum or tap rhythmically
The word drum originates from the Middle Dutch tromme, likely imitative of the sound produced by the instrument. The suffix -ing is an Old English participial ending indicating ongoing action. Combined, drumming literally means "the act of playing a drum," later extended metaphorically to describe repetitive rhythmic sounds. The evolution reflects both the instrument's cultural role and the human tendency to associate patterns with musicality.
The drumming at the concert was so intense it vibrated through the floor.
She practiced drumming for hours to perfect her technique.
The steady drumming of rain on the window lulled him to sleep.
Tribal drumming echoed through the forest during the ceremony.
His fingers were drumming impatiently on the table while he waited.