humph

American  

[huhmf] / hʌmf /

spelling pronunciation umph

interjection

1. (used to indicate disbelief, contempt, etc.)

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to utter by or as if by expressing “humph.”

humph British  

/ hʌmf /

interjection

1. an exclamation of annoyance, dissatisfaction, scepticism, etc

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Etymology

Origin of humph

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

“Humph. Come on, then. What are you waiting for?”

From Literature

“Humph. Why don’t you and Lizza go and watch the celebrating?”

From Literature

Nat said, “Humph! The French people killed their king. Now they’ve got Napoleon. He doesn’t sound much better than a king to me.”

From Literature

“Swore they’d deserted from the English navy! Humph! Neither lad had been off soundings till he sailed with me.”

From Literature

“Humph,” Aunt Nancy says from the dining room.

From Literature