hum

[huhm]

verb (used without object)

hummed, humming 

1. to make a low, continuous, droning sound.

2. to give forth an indistinct sound of mingled voices or noises.

3. to utter an indistinct sound in hesitation, embarrassment, dissatisfaction, etc.; hem.

4. to sing with closed lips, without articulating words.

5. to be in a state of busy activity.

   The household hummed in preparation for the wedding.

   Synonyms: buzz, bustle

6. British Slang.,  to have a bad odor, as of stale perspiration.

verb (used with object)

hummed, humming 

1. to sound, sing, or utter by humming.

   to hum a tune.

2. to bring, put, etc., by humming.

   to hum a child to sleep.

noun

1. the act or sound of humming; an inarticulate or indistinct murmur; hem.

2. Audio.,  an unwanted low-frequency sound caused by power-line frequencies in any audio component.

interjection

1. (an inarticulate sound uttered in contemplation, hesitation, dissatisfaction, doubt, etc.)

hum

/ hʌm /

verb

1. (intr) to make a low continuous vibrating sound like that of a prolonged m

2. (intr) (of a person) to sing with the lips closed

3. (intr) to utter an indistinct sound, as in hesitation; hem

4. informal,  (intr) to be in a state of feverish activity

5. slang,  (intr) to smell unpleasant

6. slang,  (intr) to scrounge

7. See hem 2

noun

1. a low continuous murmuring sound

2. electronics an undesired low-frequency noise in the output of an amplifier or receiver, esp one caused by the power supply

3. slang,  a scrounger; cadger

4. slang,  an unpleasant odour

interjection

1. an indistinct sound of hesitation, embarrassment, etc; hem

Other Word Forms

• hummer noun
• underhum noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hum¹

1300–50; Middle English; ultimately imitative; cognate with German hummen to hum; humblebee

Word History and Origins

Origin of hum¹

C14: of imitative origin; compare Dutch hommelen, Old High German humbal bumblebee

Example Sentences

So, on foot, a policeman goes searching, the hum of the drone jammer and its invisible protection receding as he heads down a lane.

From BBC

Once casseroles are in the oven and soups are humming on the stove, I clear scraps, load the dishwasher, and wipe counters.

From Salon

The hum of the electric motor is imperceptible, and it is only at speed that the sound of the rolling wheels on the road breaks through.

From BBC

Entering Sphere, the escalators are tinted sepia and the soundscape hums with birdsong and lowing cattle.

From Los Angeles Times

The internet hummed with commentary, memes, and close analysis of carat weight.

From Salon

Related Words

• croon 
• moan 
• mumble 
• murmur 
• purr 
• sing 
• strum 
• throb 
• trill 
• warble 
• whisper