ho-hum

1 of 2

adjective

1
: routine, dull
a ho-hum existence
2
: bored, indifferent
a ho-hum reaction
used to express weariness, boredom, or disdain

Examples of ho-hum in a Sentence

Adjective the characterizations are good, but the plot is just ho-hum
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The jalapeno pesto it’s bathed in transports the dish from ho-hum to oh, yum! Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 17 July 2025 Cross over, and suddenly ho-hum drugstores and fast-food restaurants transform into vibrant shops and cafes. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
Interjection
Flat screens—ho hum, most CRTs long ago were relegated to the basement or the recycling center. IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2011 The distinction between being unique and ho hum is as thin as the crust. Bill Field, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ho-hum

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

imitative

First Known Use

Adjective

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Interjection

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ho-hum was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

hoi
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ho-hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ho-hum. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ho hum

interjection
ˈhō-ˈhəm
used to express weariness, boredom, or disdain
Etymology

Interjection

imitative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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