hum

Hum is defined as to make a low, steady sound like a motor, to be busy, or to sing with closed lips.

(verb)

  1. When a fan whirs quietly in the background, this is an example of when the fan hums.
  2. When a cafeteria has a low, steady sound of chatter, this is an example of when the cafeteria hums.
  3. When you make "hmmm.... hmmmm... hmmmm" sounds to the beat of a song, singing without opening your lips, this is an example of when you hum.

The definition of a hum is a low, steady sound.

(noun)

  1. The quiet whirring of a fan in the background is an example of a hum.
  2. The small, steady noise your speakers make when your amp is acting up is an example of a hum.

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See hum in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb hummed, humming

  1. to make a low, continuous, murmuring sound like that of a bee or a motor
  2. to sing with the lips closed, not producing words
  3. to give forth a confused, droning sound: a room humming with voices
  4. Informal to be busy or full of activity

Origin: ME hummen, of echoic orig., as in Ger hummel, bumblebee, MDu hommeln, hum

transitive verb

  1. to sing (a tune, etc.) with the lips closed
  2. to produce an effect on by humming: to hum a child to sleep

noun

  1. the act of humming
  2. a continuous, murmuring sound

Related Forms:

interjection, noun

hem

intransitive verb hummed, humming

hem

See hum in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb hummed hummed, hum·ming, hums
verb, intransitive
  1. a. To emit a continuous low droning sound like that of the speech sound (m) when prolonged.
    b. To emit the continuous droning sound of a bee on the wing; buzz.
    c. To give forth a low continuous drone blended of many sounds: The avenue hummed with traffic.
  2. To be in a state of busy activity.
  3. To produce a tune without opening the lips or forming words.
verb, transitive
  1. To sing (a tune) without opening the lips or forming words.
  2. Baseball To throw or pitch (a ball) very fast.
noun
  1. The sound produced by humming.
  2. The act of humming.
interjection
Used to indicate hesitation, surprise, or displeasure.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English hummen

Origin: , of imitative origin

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Related Forms:

  • humˈma·ble adjective

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