hum

UK /ˈhʌm/ US /ˈhʌm/
noun 7verb 5intj 2name 1

Definitions

noun

1

A hummed tune, i.e. created orally with lips closed.

2

An often indistinct sound resembling human humming.

They could hear a hum coming from the kitchen, and found the dishwasher on.

the shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums

3

Busy activity, like the buzz of a beehive.

4

Unpleasant odour.

5

An imposition or hoax; humbug.

verb

1

To make a sound from the vocal cords without pronouncing any real words, with one's lips closed.

We are humming happily along with the music.

2

To express by humming.

to hum a tune

The team hummed “We Shall Overcome” as they came back onto the field after the break.

3

To drone like certain insects naturally do in motion, or sounding similarly.

The leaves of the foreſt were loaded with manna, pure amber dropped from every bough, honey diſtilled from the rifted rock, and the humming bee, drunk with joy, ſtrayed from flower to flower, forgetful of his burſting cells.

A slight gloom fell upon the table. Jacob was helping himself to jam; the postman was talking to Rebecca in the kitchen; there was a bee humming at the yellow flower which nodded at the open window.

4

To buzz, be busily active like a beehive

The streets were humming with activity.

5

To produce low sounds which blend continuously

intj

1

Synonym of hmm: a noise indicating thought, consideration, &c.

Hum! hum! What's all this?

2

Synonym of um: a noise indicating doubt, uncertainty, &c.

Ah, now this is why we must proceed with great circumspection. They were both, hum, “put out” themselves.

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