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
Kff Health News, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
After a grueling year of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation to treat breast cancer, Sadia Zapp was anxious — not the manageable hum that had long been part of her life, but something deeper, more distracting.
—CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
In a city where skyscrapers reach for the clouds and streets hum with the rhythm of daily life, Hong Kong's open-air adventures offer a refreshing counterpoint, proving there's no need to choose between urban energy and natural tranquility.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hum
Noun
By Phillip Reese | KFF Health News After a grueling year of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation to treat breast cancer, Sadia Zapp was anxious — not the manageable hum that had long been part of her life, but something deeper, more distracting.
—Kff Health News, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
After a grueling year of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation to treat breast cancer, Sadia Zapp was anxious — not the manageable hum that had long been part of her life, but something deeper, more distracting.
—CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
Through the first three months, Tucker had the Chicago Cubs’ offense humming, powering the club to a 53-35 start.
—Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
In a city where skyscrapers reach for the clouds and streets hum with the rhythm of daily life, Hong Kong's open-air adventures offer a refreshing counterpoint, proving there's no need to choose between urban energy and natural tranquility.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hum
Noun
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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
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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
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When Captain America burst onto his own comic book cover that December, Kirby and Simon did not hold back.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Turning the system on too early can cause pipes to freeze and burst.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Texts from friends buzzed his phone.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Mar. 2026
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In the tense Lebanese capital, Beirut, Israeli surveillance drones buzz overhead while red tracer bullets light up the night skies, fired to warn residents of possible attacks.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Verb
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Taking new measurements, the researchers saw that as fluid gushed between cells, creating indentations in their cell membranes, bubbles mostly bulged into weaker cells.—
Clare Watson,
Quanta Magazine,
27 Feb. 2026
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The fire department has advised residents to look for signs that their properties may have been damaged or are at risk of collapse, such as cracks in bulging walls, fissures and stuck doors and windows.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These pairs offer a full range of motion, UPF sun protection, and the versatility to roll up, zip off, and head straight from trail to town.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Mar. 2026
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Carlsson zipped a seam pass for Gauthier, which initially failed to connect.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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Birds call through the canopy, leaves rustle, and insects hum songs underneath sacred stillness.—
Natalie Preddie,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Across Milan and the Dolomites, two dozen drones are whirring slightly behind skiers, lugers and even speed skaters, bringing viewers across the world to the mountains and ice.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
11 Feb. 2026
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The Olympics star-making machine has started whirring, and no sport is more ripe for some stars than curling.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hum. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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