Main Entry: ¹hum

Pronunciation: \ˈhəm\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): hummed; hum·ming

Etymology: Middle English hummen; akin to Middle High German hummen to hum, Middle Dutch hommel bumblebee

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to utter a sound like that of the speech sound \m\ prolonged b : to make the natural noise of an insect in motion or a similar sound : drone c : to give forth a low continuous blend of sound
2 a : to be busily active <the museum hummed with visitors> b : to run smoothly <the business started to hum>transitive verb 1 : to sing with the lips closed and without articulation
2 : to affect or express by humming <hummed his displeasure>

— hum noun

— hum·ma·ble \ˈhə-mə-bəl\ adjective