tomtom

A musician plays a steady rhythm on a small tomtom drum.

Definition

Noun: A tomtom is a type of drum, typically a small, narrow drum played with the hands or sticks, often used in various musical traditions, particularly in Asian and African cultures. It is characterized by a cylindrical body and a single or double head, producing a resonant, rhythmic sound.

Usage Examples

• (A drum played for ceremonial music.)
• (A specific type of drum used in cultural performances.)

Advanced Usage

• "to beat the tomtom": to play the tomtom drum, often as a signal or for communication.

  • The villagers beat the tomtom to announce the festival. (They played the drum to send a message.)

• "tomtom rhythm": a specific rhythmic pattern associated with the tomtom drum.

  • The tomtom rhythm was fast and hypnotic, driving the dancers forward. (The drum's beat pattern was energetic and captivating.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tom-tom (n): an alternative spelling of tomtom, referring to the same drum.

  • He bought a new tom-tom from the music shop. (He purchased this type of drum.)

• Tomtomist (n): a person who plays the tomtom.

  • The tomtomist performed with great skill. (The drummer specialized in this instrument.)

Synonyms

• Drum: a general term for a percussion instrument, but tomtom specifies a particular type.
• Hand drum: a drum played with the hands, like some tomtoms.

Related Idioms

• "Tomtom" (as a verb, rare): to drum or beat repetitively, like a tomtom.
  • He tomtommed on the table with his fingers impatiently. (He tapped rhythmically, mimicking drumming.)

Note: "Tomtom" does not commonly appear in idioms or phrasal verbs; it is primarily used as a noun referring to the instrument.