hum

1 of 2

verb

hummed; humming

intransitive verb

1
a
: to utter a sound like that of the speech sound \m\ prolonged
humming along with the music
b
: to make the natural noise of an insect in motion or a similar sound : drone
listening to the bees hum in the garden
c
: to give forth a low continuous blend of sound
the sound of children's voices with which the house was always hummingJ. M. Brinnin
2
a
: to be busily active
the museum hummed with visitors
b
: to run smoothly
the business started to hum

transitive verb

1
: to sing with the lips closed and without uttering speech sounds distinctly
hum a tune
2
: to express by making a vocal sound with the lips pressed together : to affect by humming
hummed his displeasure
hum noun
hummable adjective

hum

2 of 2

chiefly British spelling of hem entry 3, hem entry 4

Examples of hum in a Sentence

Verb The garden was humming with bees. The refrigerator hummed in the background. I was humming to myself. We hummed along to the music. I hummed a little song. By noon, the office was really humming. The restaurant hums on weekends.
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.
Verb
Steeped in myth and legend, yet humming with fresh energy, Ireland is a place where tradition meets modernity. Louise Kavanagh, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2025 For 16 miles along Woodward Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 16, supercars, classics, three-wheelers, hot rods, electric vehicles, muscle cars and even some cars fashioned to drive backward rumbled (or hummed) down the road. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 16 Aug. 2025 Sofia rests on ancient Roman ruins—its skyline pierced by golden Orthodox domes, leafy parks, and boulevards humming with espresso cafés and bookstalls. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Other must-tries include the Greek specialties, cemented by founder and late entrepreneur Pete Contos, as well as a seat at the classic diner counter that hums with an energy like no other. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hum

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English hummen; akin to Middle High German hummen to hum, Middle Dutch hommel bumblebee

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hum was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hum. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

hum

verb
ˈhəm
hummed; humming
1
a
: to utter a continuous \m\ sound
b
: to make the natural buzzing sound of an insect in motion or a sound like it : drone
c
: to give forth a low continuous blend of sound
2
: to produce musical tones while keeping the lips closed
3
: to be busily active
the place was humming
hum noun
hummer noun

Medical Definition

hum

noun
: a sound like that made by humming
especially : venous hum

More from Merriam-Webster on hum

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