hum
verb (used without object)
to make a low, continuous, droning sound.
was humming
-
past progressiveof hum.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It was as if a lot of planes were flying overhead, everything was humming and the glass in the windows shook."
From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2026
Baltimore, a major hub for Southwest but not a mega hub in the Atlanta or Chicago sense, was humming Monday.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 12, 2025
The transfer safety who has made previous college stops at Tennessee, Oklahoma and Mississippi was humming a tune, savoring every moment of this new opportunity.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2025
Coach Dave Hakstol’s staff put together a plan for their group comprised of mostly spare parts, via the NHL expansion draft, and that machine was humming through most of last year.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 4, 2024
Buzz, buzz! the hive was humming, busily, joyfully.
From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
