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.
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
The fountain hummed beside him while students streamed past the gate—laughing, scrolling, carrying coffee, stubbornly keeping going.
From Slate ● Oct. 30, 2025
The crowd hummed and swayed in agreement and cheered in recognition of the feelings that she captured.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2025
Even when the scoreboard hummed to life in the second half, it still didn’t look like an instant classic was in store.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2025
The Xerox machine hummed quietly in the corner.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
