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

At the beginning of the night, however, the Trump fans ignored many of the speakers and the hum of the crowd was as loud as the sound from the Jumbotron.

From Salon

The lighting is dim, and the hum of conversation and laughter is prominent.

From Salon

In the background, as he speaks, there is the loud mechanical hum of an Israeli observation drone, a constant in the daily and nightly soundtrack of Gaza.

From BBC

Also, a graceful arroyo willow that sprouted near Margaret’s one-time vegetable garden now towers over the family’s home, attracting so many bees with its spring blooms that the branches seem to hum.

From Los Angeles Times

As a brassy hum picked up around the tent—the sound of multiple shofars being blown—Murillo proclaimed, “The Founding Fathers didn’t want us to be loyal to the government. They wanted us to be loyal to the truth.”

From Slate

Related Words

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