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 verb1 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 sound2 a: to be busily active <the museum hummed with visitors> b: to run smoothly <the business started to hum>transitive verb1: to sing with the lips closed and without articulation2: to affect or express by humming <hummed his displeasure>

— hum noun

— hum·ma·ble \ˈhə-mə-bəl\ adjective