1 B1 idiomatic informal
To talk at length in a dull, monotonous voice that bores the listener.
"The professor droned on for two hours without ever looking up from his notes."
inseparable
drone on
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To talk or speak for a long time in a boring and monotonous way.
In plain English
Keep talking for a very long time in a flat, dull voice that makes people bored.
What does "drone on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To continue for a long time in a tedious or monotonous way (of a sound, event, or situation).
"The ceremony droned on through the afternoon while the guests tried to stay awake."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make a continuous, low, humming sound like a drone (insect or aircraft).
Actually means
Keep talking for a very long time in a flat, dull voice that makes people bored.
Usage tip
Always has a negative connotation. The speaker who drones on is unaware of — or unconcerned with — the listener's boredom. Often used with 'about': 'drone on about something'.
Words that pair with "drone on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
endlessly forever about politics about work lecture speech
How to conjugate "drone on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
drone on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drones on
he/she/it
Past simple
droned on
yesterday
Past participle
droned on
have + pp
-ing form
droning on
continuous
Hear "drone on" in the wild
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