hum
hum Lexical Profile
hum Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A low, steady, continuous sound, such as that made by bees, machinery, or distant traffic.
"The quiet hum of the refrigerator was the only sound in the kitchen late at night."
British An unpleasant or foul smell (informal).
"A noticeable hum was coming from the unwashed sports kit left in the locker."
• verb
To sing a tune with closed lips and without articulating words.
"She likes to hum her favorite classical melodies while working in the garden."
To make a low, steady, continuous sound like that of a bee or a running motor.
"The air conditioner began to hum softly as the afternoon grew warmer."
To be in a state of busy, lively, or brisk activity.
"By nine o'clock in the morning, the entire newsroom was humming with excitement."
British To smell unpleasant or foul (informal).
"After three days in the damp tent, his hiking boots really started to hum."
• interjection
Used to express hesitation, doubt, deliberation, or slight dissatisfaction.
"Hum, I am not entirely sure if that schedule will work for our team."
• Rhymes for hum
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in Middle English in the 14th century, the word is of imitative origin, directly mimicking a low, continuous droning sound.