hum

American  

[huhm] / hʌm /

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:

   buzz, bustle

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

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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 British  

/ 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. See hem 2

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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

Other Word Forms

• hummer noun
• underhum noun

Etymology

Origin of hum

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

Example Sentences

Inside, silverware clinks, trays slam down, and voices hum.

From Literature

Katherine Ryan couldn’t look any more serene sitting in the dark with her laptop open, white noise machine humming and an infant sleeping in her arms.

From Los Angeles Times

In other markets, there are signs that solar, wind and batteries have kept the grid humming.

From Barron's

In other markets, there are signs that solar, wind and batteries have kept the grid humming.

From Barron's

As we go, Mom hums a song with a funky beat.

From Literature

Related Words

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