humming

[ huhm-ing ]

adjective

1. making a droning sound; buzzing.
2. very busy; briskly active:

   a humming office.

Other Words From

• humming·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of humming¹

First recorded in 1570–80; hum + -ing ²

Example Sentences

As time went on and the memories of the chaotic Trump administration, COVID, and Jan. 6 receded, voters began to look back on the humming 2019 economy over which Trump presided more fondly.

From Slate

Others volunteer to water plants, write a weekly newsletter, launder aprons, check on members who haven’t shown up in a while, and shoulder other tasks needed to keep the clubhouse humming.

From Los Angeles Times

I will be gone from this world, and people who will be 45 or 50 years old will be humming the main theme and saying to each other, ‘Remember that?’

From Los Angeles Times

Across town in a downtown warehouse, the Licorice Pizza vinyl pressing factory is humming with the loud industrial sounds of a single SMT machine.

From Los Angeles Times

Neither the music playing in the background nor birdsong can mask its deep, humming noise.

From BBC