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

See Examples For:

humph

The hump theory was the first to be discarded as so much humph.

From Time Magazine Archive

This sorta made sense, but Genie didn’t respond with anything other than a humph.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds

She makes it sound like she is so cut up to be giving them this information, and it’s all just humph out of her head.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

"So far!" repeated the captain, with a sort of humph which was meant to indicate mild contempt; "that shows how little you know, with all your book-learnin', about volcanoes."

From Blown to Bits or, The Lonely Man of Rakata by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

It was very strange, she thought, that Mrs. Brownlow, always so kind, should say nothing but "humph" on being told that Miss Heath's workmen had finished, and that she must return next Monday morning.

From Magnum Bonum by Yonge, Charlotte Mary