1 tom-tom | Definition of tom-tom
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

tom-tom

noun
\ ˈtäm-ˌtäm How to pronounce tom-tom (audio) , ˈtəm-ˌtəm\

Definition of tom-tom

1 : a usually long and narrow small-headed drum commonly beaten with the hands
2 old-fashioned : tam-tam sense 2
3a : something used to make a noise suggestive of the tom-tom's beating
b : a monotonous beating, rhythm, or rhythmical sound
4 or less commonly tom : a cylindrical two-headed drum of varying size often used in pairs in drum sets

Illustration of tom-tom

Illustration of tom-tom

tom-tom 1

First Known Use of tom-tom

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for tom-tom

Hindi & Urdu á¹­amá¹­am

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for tom-tom

tom-tom

noun
How to pronounce tom-tom (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of tom-tom

: a tall, narrow drum that is usually played with the hands

See the full definition for tom-tom in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tom-tom

noun
\ ˈtäm-ˌtäm\

Kids Definition of tom-tom

: a drum (as a traditional Asian, African, or American Indian drum) that is beaten with the hands

More from Merriam-Webster on tom-tom

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with tom-tom

Spanish Central: Translation of tom-tom

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!