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

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

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

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds

A sudden little derisive noise she made; such as used to be written "humph!"

From The Crux by Gilman, Charlotte Perkins

No such despair of the issue, however, came over my friend—he did not appear in the least disconcerted; but, on the completion of the fruitless search, merely nodded his head, uttering an expressive humph.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume XXII by Wilson, John Mackay