side-drum

A marching band drummer plays a side-drum with two sticks.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of drum: A "side-drum" is a small, cylindrical drum with two heads (membranes), typically worn on the side of the body by a strap and played with sticks. It has a high, sharp tone and is often used in military bands, orchestras, and marching bands.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The drummer wore a side-drum strapped to his hip during the parade. (A drum attached to the side of the body for marching.)
  • The side-drum added a crisp, rhythmic accent to the orchestral piece. (A drum with a bright, penetrating sound.)

Advanced Usage

• "to beat the side-drum": to play the side-drum, especially in a military or ceremonial context.

  • The soldiers marched in time as the drummer beat the side-drum. (The drummer played the drum to keep the rhythm.)

• "side-drum roll": a rapid succession of beats on the side-drum, creating a continuous sound.

  • The side-drum roll signaled the start of the ceremony. (A long, sustained drumming effect.)

Variants and Related Words

• Side-drummer (n): a person who plays the side-drum.

  • The side-drummer kept perfect time with the band. (The musician responsible for the side-drum.)

• Side-drumming (n): the action or technique of playing the side-drum.

  • Side-drumming requires precise wrist control and rhythm. (The skill of playing this instrument.)

Synonyms

• Snare drum: a similar drum with snares (wires or strings) stretched across the bottom head, producing a distinctive buzzing sound; often used interchangeably with "side-drum" in modern contexts, though a side-drum may lack snares in some historical uses.
• Marching drum: a drum designed to be carried while marching, often including the side-drum.

Related Idioms

• "to march to the beat of a side-drum": to follow a strict, military-like rhythm or routine.

  • In his disciplined life, he always seemed to march to the beat of a side-drum. (He adhered to a rigid schedule or order.)

• "side-drum silence": a period of quiet or absence of rhythm, often used metaphorically for a break in action.

  • After the loud argument, there was a side-drum silence in the room. (An abrupt, tense stillness.)