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: buzz, bustle

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

/ 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

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

• underhum noun
• hummer 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

The crowd hummed and swayed in agreement and cheered in recognition of the feelings that she captured.

From Los Angeles Times

The book’s plot mechanics hum along with great pace and verve, even if a few of its particulars are too far-fetched to swallow.

From Los Angeles Times

Just what is it about AI data centres that's different from the traditional building containing ranks of computer servers that keeps our personal photos, social media accounts and work applications humming away?

From BBC

On one April morning, when she and her husband arrived at their lot, heavy machinery was already humming.

From Los Angeles Times

On the football field, the deafening roar of the crowd and the buzz of adrenaline unify into one continuous hum, a voice in the back of a player’s head encouraging bloodlust and brutality.

From Salon

Related Words

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