as in purr
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
we heard the hum of an outboard motor and a few minutes later the small craft came into sight
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hum
Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 11 Jan. 2026
The hum of polishing wheels bleeds through half-open doors.
—Parin Moradiya, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Tom Barnas, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
The machine that usually hums with ruthless efficiency looked broken, battered, and completely devoid of answers.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hum
Noun
Elevators in apartment blocks stopped working, trapping elderly residents in their homes, and people have become used to the loud hum of generators.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 11 Jan. 2026
The hum of polishing wheels bleeds through half-open doors.
—Parin Moradiya, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
More than a century later, that idea still hums inside the company's workshop.
—Tom Barnas, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
The machine that usually hums with ruthless efficiency looked broken, battered, and completely devoid of answers.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hum
Noun
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Geography and tragedy unite them, as does the purr of comfort inherent in their cooking.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
-
This person was less than purr-fect.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Is your play area bursting at the seams?—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Hill burst upon the local high school scene as a sophomore, earning Central Texas newcomer of the year honors in 2023 after rushing for 1,428 yards and 20 touchdowns.—
Rick Cantu,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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At the same time, cities are buzzing with networking activity, often with multiple events each week offering a range of formats and experiences to dip into.—
Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
My body was buzzing—as was my group chat.—
Margaux Anbouba,
Vogue,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Instead, the rapid growth of submissions on this new forum suggests that, for some, whisper networks still remain the safest means of being heard.—
Kim Elsesser,
Forbes.com,
16 Jan. 2026
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Sub a V-neck sweater for a sheer, whisper-thin knit, and wear the jacket open, nonchalantly buttoned, or wrapped around the waist.—
Minty Mellon,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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From self-driving smart trailers with auto-dumping waste tanks to on- and off-road explorers that bulge out in every direction possible to maximize living space, some truly jaw-dropping and inspiring camper vans, travel trailers, large motorhomes and expedition trucks emerged in 2025.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Jan. 2026
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According to John Hopkins Medicine, an aneurysm is a weakened or bulging artery wall, and coiling is a procedure used to block blood flow to the aneurysm.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Helen posed with the jacket unzipped, showing off a white T-shirt and an orange bag, while her kids opted to keep their jackets zipped.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
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On a perfect rep of quarters coverage, Davis initially traveled with an in-breaking post route from outside the numbers then zipped back to the sideline while following Stroud's eyes.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Even Super Dog makes an appearance — cape, mask and all — ready to leap into action the moment a snack bag rustles.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
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High in the hills near the Myanmar border, Ban Rak Thai greets the morning with the smell of oolong and the soft rustle of tea leaves.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
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That chunk of my brain has already been activated and is whirring away.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
11 Jan. 2026
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As a drone whirred overhead and hooded people spray-painted the building and its fixtures, the protestors advocated for more civilly disobedient methods.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hum. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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