humdrum

adjective

hum·​drum ˈhəm-ˌdrəm 

: monotonous, dull

humdrum noun

Synonyms of humdrum

• boring
• tiring
• dull
• slow
• wearying
• weary
• old
• stupid
• dusty

Examples of humdrum in a Sentence

She liked the movie, but I thought it was humdrum.

another humdrum day at the office

Recent Examples on the Web

And the same is true in more humdrum contexts. — Cody Turner, The Conversation, 1 May 2026

Get the recipe > Transform humdrum cherry or grape tomatoes into flavor bombs by cooking them low and slow in the oven with maple syrup, thyme, and garlic. — Saveur Editors, Saveur, 15 Apr. 2026

Keep a jar of this Parmesan-herb vinaigrette in your fridge for salads or to make a humdrum turkey or salami sandwich taste like one from your neighborhood deli. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 26 June 2026

Making federal rules can take months of debate in humdrum bureaucratic processes. — ABC News, 4 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

reduplication of hum

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for humdrum

• become
• checksum
• income
• outcome
• pisum
• succumb
• therefrom
• wherefrom
• abomasum
• bum
• chum
• come

Kids Definition

humdrum

adjective

hum·​drum ˈhəm-ˌdrəm 

: monotonous sense 2, dull