as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
heard the burr of a distant engine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 burr
Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
This depends on your specific manual coffee grinder, but if your grinder uses ceramic burrs, it’s meant for coffee beans only.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
But the real star here is the stone in your shoe, the burr under your saddle.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 17 July 2025
Conical burr grinders, conversely, feature a large burr that houses a smaller burr, with beans essentially moving vertically between the space.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for burr
Noun
The fabric sheds burrs, dries quickly and wicks away moisture.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
This depends on your specific manual coffee grinder, but if your grinder uses ceramic burrs, it’s meant for coffee beans only.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
But the real star here is the stone in your shoe, the burr under your saddle.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 17 July 2025
Conical burr grinders, conversely, feature a large burr that houses a smaller burr, with beans essentially moving vertically between the space.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for burr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burr
Noun
-
In Northern Virginia, known as Data Center Alley, some property owners have tried to escape continuous hums by selling their homes.—
Bracey Harris,
NBC news,
26 Feb. 2026
-
For three decades, the hum of the table saw and the smell of machine oil faded from American high schools.—
Gerald Bradshaw,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
One person said their robotaxi stopped in traffic with cars buzzing by while another said the car went the wrong way on a one-way street under construction.—
Brian Gordon,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Garrison didn't expect that particular photo to blow up — but then her phone started buzzing nonstop.—
Jennifer Earl,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For many of us, our truest Valentine has four legs, a wagging tail, a gentle purr or a happy chirp.—
Cathy M. Rosenthal,
San Antonio Express-News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In previous years, the Puppy Bowl has featured a halftime purr-formance with shelter kittens, but there’s no word on whether a bunny will headline this year.—
Bee staff
February 6,
Sacbee.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
On the more casual end of the spectrum, skinny sneakers allowed Fashion Month attendees to zip between shows quickly and comfortably.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Since the suitcase won’t be as easy to zip open, thieves will have a harder time seeing whether or not your belongings are valuable; this alone could prevent your bag from becoming a target.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There’s something almost spiritual about walking among these giants—the cool air, the rustle of leaves, and the quiet hum of nature.—
Amplified Content Studio,
Mercury News,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Birds call through the canopy, leaves rustle, and insects hum songs underneath sacred stillness.—
Natalie Preddie,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The Carry-on Pro features a sleek, scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell, whisper-smooth 360-degree spinner wheels, and an ejectable front laptop sleeve that makes TSA checks far less chaotic.—
Kristy Alpert,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Feb. 2026
-
One storyline that will be at the forefront of the upcoming season centers on Wednesday's Aunt Ophelia, who's been spoken about in hushed whispers throughout season 2.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burr. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
