ho-hum

1 of 2

adjective

ˈhō-ˈhəm 

1

: routine, dull

a ho-hum existence

2

: bored, indifferent

a ho-hum reaction

ho hum

2 of 2

interjection

ˈhō-ˈhəm 

—used to express weariness, boredom, or disdain

Synonyms of ho-hum

Adjective

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

Examples of ho-hum in a Sentence

Adjective

the characterizations are good, but the plot is just ho-hum

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But when Reaves was out of uniform and headband, the Lakers were a ho-hum 17-14. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

However, after a year's worth of ho-hum post-earnings price action, this could be the one that reignites the fire. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

Interjection

The Masters, season’s first of four golf majors, tees off Thursday at Augusta anyway with Scottie Scheffler (ho hum) the betting favorite per DraftKings followed by Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. — Greg Cote april 5, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026

Scottie Scheffler, ho hum The world’s best golfer won The American Express yesterday in his first start of the year, which is both astounding and unsurprising. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

imitative

First Known Use

Adjective

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Interjection

1924, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ho hum

interjection

ˈhō-ˈhəm

—used to express weariness, boredom, or disdain

Etymology

Interjection

imitative