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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
One of these experiment models, ABRACADABRA, employs high-sensitivity radio to capture the faint hum of axion’s oscillating magnetic fields thanks to the close cooperation of UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
Nolan Lewis, Architectural Digest, 27 Apr. 2026
But buying Globalstar is a smart move that underscores the company’s commitment to satellite connectivity, which will keep the Amazon flywheel humming in the coming years.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hum
Noun
In the golden light of evening, with the background hum of cicadas and the scent of immortelle and lavender on the breeze, the effect is intoxicating—even before your Murtoli Negroni.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
One of these experiment models, ABRACADABRA, employs high-sensitivity radio to capture the faint hum of axion’s oscillating magnetic fields thanks to the close cooperation of UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
Most of us turn to mechanical fixes—air conditioners humming, ceiling fans whirring at full tilt.
—Nolan Lewis, Architectural Digest, 27 Apr. 2026
But buying Globalstar is a smart move that underscores the company’s commitment to satellite connectivity, which will keep the Amazon flywheel humming in the coming years.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hum
Noun
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In its megacities and beyond, traffic is increasingly falling silent, the dull whir of the electric motor replacing the purr of an internal combustion engine.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
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In DuPont Circle near the Hilton, an otherwise quiet night was disrupted by the scream of sirens and purr of helicopters.—
Aidan McLaughlin,
Vanity Fair,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The site’s sale section is always bursting with steep markdowns, but this month’s assortment is beyond impressive.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
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Many people are hoping—nay, praying—that the potential AI bubble will burst soon.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At the time of his murder, Mizell was in a lounge on the studio’s second floor with another man when two men were buzzed in.—
Andrew Flanagan,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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TopicsVogue Parties The Met Gala buzz starts now.—
Aaron Royce,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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These poppers start with the crisp, juicy snap of mini sweet peppers, which are filled with a creamy, tangy pimiento cheese spiked with smoky bacon and a whisper of black pepper.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
5 May 2026
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The early universe, a mere whisper after the Big Bang, just a few hundred million years old — that's when the first stars and galaxies were starting to flicker on, like fairy lights across a cosmic dark.—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Reiner sat mostly expressionless in the courtroom—his eyes wide open and bulging.—
Maxwell Adler,
Vanity Fair,
29 Apr. 2026
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This results in bulging eyes (proptosis) due to swelling or pressure behind your eyes.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Even just crossing the street, where endless mopeds and cars are zipping between each other, can feel like a feat.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
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In the final minute of the second, Heiskanen zipped a wrist shot past Wallstedt to give Dallas the lead back.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Everything is quiet apart from the rustle of leaves and the gentle murmur of voices from the bar.—
Irenie Forshaw,
TheWeek,
19 Mar. 2026
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Snowy and great egrets swoop across the water, and a gentle breeze rustles the golden-hued marsh grass this region is said to be named for.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Most of us turn to mechanical fixes—air conditioners humming, ceiling fans whirring at full tilt.—
Nolan Lewis,
Architectural Digest,
27 Apr. 2026
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Shadows and strange sounds can set imaginations whirring—from the guttural roar of a hunting lion to the giggling calls of a feasting hyena pack.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hum. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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