strum

Everyday

1. To strum is to play a guitar, ukulele or similar instrument by brushing your fingers or a pick across the strings. tree →
2. A strum is one brush across the strings, or the sound it makes. tree →

In the lessons

In music lessons, children learn to strum chords on the ukulele or guitar and practise strumming patterns (down, down, up). In stories, a character strumming a guitar often sets a relaxed or dreamy mood. Phrases: «strum a chord», «strumming pattern», «strum along».

Examples

• She strummed her ukulele and sang a song. tree →
• We learned to strum a C chord in music. tree →
• He was strumming his guitar by the campfire. tree →
• Down, down, up — that's the strumming pattern. tree →
• Strum gently, not too hard. tree →
• With one strum, the whole room went quiet. tree →
• Dad strums along when we sing in the car. tree →
• The Prince sat down and strummed away on the lute [gusli]. tree →

Note

Regular verb; double the m: «strummed», «strumming». You «strum» strings with a sweep; you «pluck» one string at a time.