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
Beats hummed, lights glimmered and about 200 young men and women traded emerald-green tiles.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026
Her phone was kept on silent; electro-beats hummed in the background; digestive biscuits were devoured.
From BBC ● Nov. 29, 2025
Carvings were etched up and down the wood, and it hummed as giant hands found familiar grooves.
From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia
