humming 1 of 2

humming

2 of 2

verb

present participle of hum
1
as in bursting
to be copiously supplied one restaurant was humming with diners, while a neighboring eatery was practically empty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of humming
Adjective
The Colts’ offense is absolutely humming. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
The stock market gains that have helped keep the economy humming have exacerbated the yawning wealth gap. David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 Brynjolfsson is teaching overflow classes about AI and technological progress, as well as running a humming lab tracking AI’s effect on workers, firms, and human welfare. Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026 Fans latched on too, humming the tune, playing the video — of players and supporters soaking up the scene — on repeat ever since. Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Now two seasons removed from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, Asheville has quickly bounced back and is humming along. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 As traditional fundraising gets harder, the flood of money available in insurance — Athene had $83 billion of inflows last year, 57% of the money Apollo raised across all its strategies — is keeping deal machines humming. Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 There is something to be said about coaches who take over for successful predecessors and keep the thing humming, because that doesn't always tend to be the case. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026 As his family and doctors exited the room, the humming machine lowered a ring around his body. Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 Paper-thin hotel walls, hallway chatter, humming AC units—travel comes with plenty of sleep interruptions. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humming
Adjective
  • Scott Usheroff The wine scene has evolved from hobby industry to a buzzing, blooming viticulture scene.
    Kate Dingwall, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The device will completely block the ear canal and cause a low buzzing noise that makes drifting off hard.
    Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Join hundreds of boats and hundreds more tourists on the riverwalk to catch the bombs bursting in air.
    Cole Premo, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • The Kings’ defense corps was once its bedrock, bursting with depth, quality and the ability to convert a home-plate mentality into counterattacking opportunities.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Returning to the director’s chair 11 years after drug-cartel drama 600 Miles, Gabriel Ripstein keeps things zipping along in an entertaining satire which, once again, highlights the rottenness at international football’s core.
    Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Flemings is especially potent with the ball in his right hand, getting into pick-and-rolls with pace and zipping one-handed, crosscourt passes while going full speed.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The tribe wants to build a travel center on the land along a busy highway on Long Island.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Because Saturday is typically the busiest day for car sales, most dealerships remain open then and close on Sundays instead.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Hears the doctors whispering in the corner of the room about his decline.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
  • The stairs bear witness to feet, flitting up and down, a whispering flood of life that has carried us forth to this day.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Despite a thriving local soccer scene and success in competition abroad, the only time the country appeared in the tournament was in Mexico in 1970.
    Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026
  • We’re inspired by our vision to create a thriving ecosystem that delivers accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Inside, fans are whirring and a woman behind the cash register speaks on the phone in Korean.
    Tomás Hill López-Menchero, New York Times, 25 June 2026
  • The production design closely resembled that of his recent Rolling Loud set and his in-progress Don’t Be Dumb tour, including a helicopter hanging from the top of the stage (its whirring blades could be heard between songs).
    Drew Cohen, SPIN, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • With their jewel-like seeds, vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor, pomegranates have long been prized around the world.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • That means little details make a large impact—this chartreuse look could stand well on its own, but the black open-toed heels and sheer tights underneath sharpen the otherwise-vibrant outfit.
    Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Humming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humming. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on humming

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster