hand drum

noun

: a drum played with the hand or hands
The pot is sometimes depicted with a skin covering the mouth, and used as a hand drum.Curt Sachs, The History of Musical Instruments, 1940
also : frame drum

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hand drum was in 1620

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near hand drum

Cite this Entry

“Hand drum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hand%20drum. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!