Entry · Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Plate N. A marching bass drum, viewed head-on, flaunting its expansive drumhead.
Photo by ASBA Drums on Unsplash
Drum, Marching Bass
/mahr-ching BAYS/ n.- 1. An oversized percussion instrument, typically cylindrical, characterized by a generous drumhead diameter and substantial shell depth, producing resonant low frequencies that reverberate through parade routes.
- 2. colloq. The percussive equivalent of a freight train, known for its pronounced sonic footprint and refusal to be upstaged by lesser instruments.
In a sentence,
"The band marched through town with a thiccc marching bass drum leading the charge, its sonic wake resetting car alarms with each beat."
Etymology,
From Middle English drom (drum), of unknown origin, possibly imitative of the sound, + Old French marchier (to march). The etymology marches on, much like the drumline.