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

"Futra butara rap a ruara dutera muttera purra murra footra den, Preekin, humph."

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume I Historical, Traditionary, and Imaginative by Various

Yes, sho, I make my own medicines, humph, dat aint no trouble.

From Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves Kentucky Narratives by Work Projects Administration