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

Adjective

• arid
• boring
• colorless
• drab
• dreary
• drudging
• dry
• dull
• dusty
• flat
• heavy
• humdrum
• jading
• jejune
• leaden
• mind-numbing
• monochromatic
• monotonous
• numbing
• old
• pedestrian
• ponderous
• slow
• stale
• stodgy
• stuffy
• stupid
• tame
• tedious
• tiresome
• tiring
• uninteresting
• wearisome
• weary
• 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

That said, when the inside of your home gets a dramatic upgrade, a ho-hum exterior can feel deflating. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 18 June 2025

These somewhat plain spheres look as ho-hum as a town water tower, but tucked inside each is one of modern meteorology’s most revolutionary and lifesaving tools: Doppler radar. —Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 30 May 2025

Interjection

The distinction between being unique and ho hum is as thin as the crust. —Bill Field, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025

Depending on whether the context is stable (everyday ho hum) or unstable (e.g., COVID-19; tariff wars; geopolitical instability etc.), the cues that get signalled and the way leaders signal these messages change. —Ellen Choi, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

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