hum
verb (used without object)
to make a low, continuous, droning sound.
hummed
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past participleof hum.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof hum.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
humverb (used without object)to make a low, continuous, droning sound.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Millions of Mexican Americans like myself have stumbled through the himno nacional during this World Cup, whereas in previous years, we might have just hummed some bars or stayed silent.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026
Upon their arrival at the court, the man, identified by authorities as Marc B., had twice shouted "I love you" in French, while the boy’s mother, identified as Marine R., hummed a melody.
From Barron's ● May 23, 2026
Our Bosch dishwasher hummed but refused to wash, so I replaced the clogged heat exchanger.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 2, 2026
The fountain hummed beside him while students streamed past the gate—laughing, scrolling, carrying coffee, stubbornly keeping going.
From Slate ● Oct. 30, 2025
Grandma always hummed as she baked, especially when she prepared gingerbread men or coconut cake.
From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals
