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View synonyms for

hum

[ huhm ]

verb (used without object)

hummed, humming.
  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: ,

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


verb (used with object)

hummed, humming.
  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

/ ʌ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

interjection

  1. an indistinct sound of hesitation, embarrassment, etc; hem
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܳ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ܲd·ܳ noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of hum1

1300–50; Middle English; ultimately imitative; cognate with German hummen to hum; humblebee
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Word History and Origins

Origin of hum1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

Unfortunately for our “see it to believe it” culture, public health works best when it’s practically invisible, just humming along in the background.

From

For here, everything was slightly abstracted — a sonic hum gave way to a hazy mixture of lights as I glanced at various ideas and impressions.

From

On this Friday, the kitchen hums with activity.

From

It sits among the sterile light and low hum of self-checkout lines, its offerings tucked behind plastic lids that do little to inspire imagination.

From

It’s impossible to not feel this love — this sense of community — when you walk through the Plant Chica’s Degnan Avenue gate humming the soulful tunes — Luther Vandross is playing now — of the vendors outside.

From

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