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

He recorded a loose improvisation on his iPhone, humming along with the piano and narrating his rough concept for the director.

From Los Angeles Times

A dog learns to sit on command, a person hears and eventually tunes out the hum of a washing machine while reading … The capacity to learn and adapt is central to evolution and, indeed, survival.

From Science Daily

Changes to the theme parks are also part of Disney’s business strategy to keep its main economic engine humming.

From Los Angeles Times

Jenkins played baritone ukulele, harmonica, hummed and used bird calls in her work while pulling influences from Spanish, Chinese, Hebrew, Korean, Swahili and other languages.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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