hum

[ huhm ]

verb (used without object)

, hummed, hum·ming.

1. to make a low, continuous, droning sound.
2. to give forth an indistinct sound of mingled voices or noises.
3. to utter an indistinct sound in hesitation, embarrassment, dissatisfaction, etc.; hem.
4. to sing with closed lips, without articulating words.
5. to be in a state of busy activity:

   The household hummed in preparation for the wedding.

   Synonyms: buzz, bustle

6. British Slang. to have a bad odor, as of stale perspiration.

verb (used with object)

, hummed, hum·ming.

1. to sound, sing, or utter by humming:

   to hum a tune.

2. to bring, put, etc., by humming:

   to hum a child to sleep.

noun

1. the act or sound of humming; an inarticulate or indistinct murmur; hem.
2. Audio. an unwanted low-frequency sound caused by power-line frequencies in any audio component.

interjection

1. (an inarticulate sound uttered in contemplation, hesitation, dissatisfaction, doubt, etc.)

hum

/ hʌm /

verb

1. intr to make a low continuous vibrating sound like that of a prolonged m
2. intr (of a person) to sing with the lips closed
3. intr to utter an indistinct sound, as in hesitation; hem
4. informal.
   intr to be in a state of feverish activity
5. slang.
   intr to smell unpleasant
6. slang.
   intr to scrounge
7. hum and haw
   See hem 2

noun

1. a low continuous murmuring sound
2. electronics an undesired low-frequency noise in the output of an amplifier or receiver, esp one caused by the power supply
3. slang.
   a scrounger; cadger
4. slang.
   an unpleasant odour

interjection

1. an indistinct sound of hesitation, embarrassment, etc; hem

Derived Forms

• ˈhummer, noun

Other Words From

• under·hum noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hum¹

1300–50; Middle English; ultimately imitative; cognate with German hummen to hum; humblebee

Word History and Origins

Origin of hum¹

C14: of imitative origin; compare Dutch hommelen, Old High German humbal bumblebee

Example Sentences

In a rare interview, Bushra told local HUM news network in 2018 that "people would come to see me to get closer to God and the Prophet".

From Reuters

It’s important to “understand what your triggers are,” said Denise Pinkett, head of people at HUM Nutrition, a vitamin and supplement company.

From Los Angeles Times

HO HO HUM: This past holiday shopping season was weaker than many retailers were expecting, and Target became the latest to cut its forecast for fourth-quarter sales and profits as a result.

From New York Times

HUM 0.33 % The only large metro area with more options will be Chattanooga.

From Wall Street Journal

It decided to exit the exchanges after the Justice Department sued to block a planned merger with Humana, HUM -0.31 % The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

From Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• croon
• moan
• mumble
• murmur
• purr
• sing
• strum
• throb
• trill
• warble
• whisper