hum
hum1 definition
hum (hum)
intransitive verb hummed, humming hum′·ming
- to make a low, continuous, murmuring sound like that of a bee or a motor
- to sing with the lips closed, not producing words
- to give forth a confused, droning sound a room humming with voices
- Informal to be busy or full of activity
Etymology: ME hummen, of echoic orig., as in Ger hummel, bumblebee, MDu hommeln, hum
transitive verb
- to sing (a tune, etc.) with the lips closed
- to produce an effect on by humming to hum a child to sleep
noun
- the act of humming
- a continuous, murmuring sound
Related Forms:
- hummer hum′·mer noun
hum2 definition
hum (həm: conventionalized pronun.)
interjection, noun
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comments
Improve this definition.
Browse dictionary definitions near hum
Share on Facebook