verb
Uncommon
hum
HUHM
Hum (verb) means to sing a tune with your lips closed, without forming words. Example: “She hummed a lullaby as she rocked the baby to sleep.”
verb
1
To sing a tune with your lips closed, without forming words.
"She hummed a lullaby as she rocked the baby to sleep."
"He hummed along to the radio while driving."
"Our neighbour hums happily while she waters the plants in her garden."
2
To make a low, steady, continuous sound.
"The refrigerator hummed quietly in the kitchen."
"Bees hummed lazily around the flowerbed."
"The old computer hummed all night as it worked through the updates."
noun
1
A low, steady, continuous sound.
"The hum of the air conditioner made it hard to sleep."
"She could hear the distant hum of traffic outside."
"We fell asleep to the steady hum of the engine on the long journey."
How to use hum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA low continuous sound, or making that sound — either by singing without words or from a machine, insect, etc.
Common pairings
hum a tune
the hum of machinery
a low hum
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Word forms
- Plural
- hums
- Third person singular
- hums
- Past tense
- hummed
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Our neighbour _____ happily while she waters the plants in her garden.
Etymology
From Middle English hummen, an imitative word describing the buzzing or droning sound itself.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for hum
See all rhymes for hum →Frequently asked questions
What does “hum” mean?
The word “hum” means to sing a tune with your lips closed, without forming words. In plain terms, a low continuous sound, or making that sound — either by singing without words or from a machine, insect, etc.
How do you pronounce “hum”?
“Hum” is pronounced HUHM (/ˈhʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “hum” in a sentence?
Here is “hum” used in a sentence: “She hummed a lullaby as she rocked the baby to sleep.”
What is another word for “hum”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hum” include bombinate, buzz, drone, thrum, whirr and whizz.
What is the opposite of “hum”?
The opposite of “hum” — its antonyms — is snap.
What part of speech is “hum”?
Depending on how it is used, “hum” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “hum” come from?
The word “hum” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hummen, an imitative word describing the buzzing or droning sound itself.
Is “hum” a common word?
“Hum” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between humming and singing?
Humming means producing a tune with the lips closed and no words formed, while singing typically involves an open mouth and actual lyrics or vocalized sounds. Humming is often used as a quieter, more private way of enjoying a melody.
What does it mean when an engine or appliance 'hums'?
In this sense, hum describes a low, steady, continuous sound, such as the noise made by a running engine, refrigerator, or electrical device. The same word works as both a noun for the sound itself and a verb for producing it.
Is humming considered a form of singing?
Humming is related to singing in that it involves producing a musical tune vocally, but it is distinct because the lips stay closed and no words are formed, making it more of a quiet accompaniment than full singing.
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