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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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 hum
David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 31 May 2026
For anyone curious about how breathwork and cold exposure activate the same nervous system pathways, the bee hum and Wim Hof breathing are pointing at the same physiological target from very different directions.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 24 May 2026
Ventilators hummed in an intensive care unit.
—Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hum
Noun
This 1950s-era facility, one of five that turns out home appliances under familiar GE brands such as Hotpoint and Profile, is preparing to reclaim a manufacturing line that currently hums in China.
—David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 31 May 2026
For anyone curious about how breathwork and cold exposure activate the same nervous system pathways, the bee hum and Wim Hof breathing are pointing at the same physiological target from very different directions.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
Verb
The North Carolina mountains are home to a plethora of treasured towns including Asheville, Brevard, and Cashiers that are always humming with activity to celebrate the region.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 24 May 2026
Ventilators hummed in an intensive care unit.
—Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hum
Noun
-
That detail has led researchers to wonder whether the purr is partly a self-healing mechanism, a body soothing itself from the inside out.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
-
But a growing body of research suggests some of the most therapeutic sounds on earth are already in your home — your cat’s purr, rain on the window, birdsong outside.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
New York — In New York’s Hudson Valley, the artist Anicka Yi has erected columns bursting with mercurial microbial life, in hues of acid green and coffee, arranged like an archaeological dig at Storm King Art Center.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
-
Kvaratskehlia’s father, Badri, a professional player himself, had countless footballs burst by its sharp metal.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
The Coburg Bar buzzes with a zappy, more visible, businesses-like energy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
Fans of the legendary designer and his whimsical, punk, off-kilter designs have been buzzing since the recent announcement that the Marc Jacobs Beauty brand would be making a triumphant return after a five-year hiatus.—
Kelsey Legg,
ABC News,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
There had been political whispers in South Windsor since the November election about whether the decision disqualifying Amadasun was part of a Republican ploy to keep Democrats from achieving a council supermajority.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2026
-
This might be as simple as a public argument – hissing whispers in an elevator.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Next to her is a bulging Balenciaga mini bag, and a pair of oversized sunglasses on her head are perched atop a mop of jet black curls.—
Rachel Brodsky,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
That expansion can lead to bulging eyes, double vision and related challenges.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Boaters, the attorney added, can zip in and out of a channel and should — but are not required to — stay on the correct side of the channel.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
-
Outside, seagulls caw and commuters zip into the ferry terminal across Alaskan Way.—
Allecia Vermillion,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
In a distant forest, the monument to his reckless fretwork rustles in the treetops and hums with beehives like the watts in a worn, weary amp burning, crackling for release.—
Tyehimba Jess,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Everything is quiet apart from the rustle of leaves and the gentle murmur of voices from the bar.—
Irenie Forshaw,
TheWeek,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Cool blue-white LEDs lined the room’s windows, while yellow heavy-duty power outlets hung from the ceiling over rows of desks where students will learn how to maintain the servers whirring behind them.—
Mirtha Donastorg,
AJC.com,
26 May 2026
-
Expect the line blender to keep whirring as the series goes on.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hum. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
