Definition

1. Noun:
   • A vehement and vociferous advocacy of a cause: A persistent, forceful, and often loud campaign or promotion of a particular idea, policy, or position.
   • (Military) The beating of a drum as a signal for lowering the flag at sundown: A specific rhythmic pattern played on a drum to signal a formal military ceremony, traditionally marking the end of the day.
   • The sound made by beating a drum: The rhythmic sound produced by striking a drum.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The constant drumbeat of criticism from the media influenced public opinion. (The persistent and forceful campaign of criticism...)
  • At the fort, the evening drumbeat signaled the time to retire the colors. (The military drum signal...)
  • The steady drumbeat echoed through the valley. (The sound of the drum...)

Advanced Usage

• "to keep up a drumbeat": To maintain a persistent and forceful campaign or repetition of a message.
  • Activists kept up a drumbeat for environmental reform throughout the conference.
• "the drumbeat of war": A metaphor for the persistent rhetoric, propaganda, or actions that lead toward or advocate for armed conflict.
  • The general's speeches contributed to the growing drumbeat of war.

Variants and Related Words

• Drum (n/v): The instrument itself, or the action of playing it.
• Drumming (n): The act or skill of playing a drum; can also metaphorically mean a continuous, rhythmic sound or effect.
• Drum major (n): The leader of a marching band.

Synonyms

• Advocacy: Active support for a cause.
• Campaign: An organized course of action for a particular purpose.
• Rhythm: A strong, regular, repeated pattern of sound or movement.
• Cadence: A rhythmic sequence or flow of sounds.

Related Phrases

• Drumbeat of progress: A metaphor for the steady, rhythmic advance of development or change.
  • The drumbeat of progress in technology is relentless.
• March to the drumbeat of: To follow or be in sync with a particular ideology or set of instructions.
  • The company marches to the drumbeat of innovation.

Noun

1. a vehement and vociferous advocacy of a cause
   • the warmongers kept up their drumbeat on Iraq
2. (military) the beating of a drum as a signal for lowering the flag at sundown
3. the sound made by beating a drum