humph

spelling pronunciation umph

[huhmf]

interjection

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

verb (used with or without object)

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

humph

/ hʌmf /

interjection

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of humph¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

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

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

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

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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.”

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

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