strum

 
Pronunciation: /strʌm/

verb (strums, strumming, strummed)

[with object]
  • play (a guitar or similar instrument) by sweeping the thumb or a plectrum up or down across the strings: he was sitting in the bedroom strumming a guitar [no object]: the minister strummed on his guitar
  • play (a tune) in such a way: he strummed a few chords
  • [no object] play casually or unskilfully on a stringed or keyboard instrument: the guitar player strummed along respectfully

noun

  • a sound made by strumming: the brittle strum of acoustic guitars
  • an instance or spell of strumming.

Derivatives

strummer

noun

Origin:

late 18th century: imitative; compare with thrum1