humming 1 of 2

Definition of hummingnext

humming

2 of 2

verb

present participle of hum
1
as in bursting
to be copiously supplied one restaurant was humming with diners, while a neighboring eatery was practically empty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 humming
Adjective
The Colts’ offense is absolutely humming. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
And the huge investments — in data centers, energy, and other infrastructure — are keeping the US economy humming, keeping foreign and domestic investors pouring billions into the country, and keeping Americans’ stock portfolios healthy. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026 The future Hall of Fame quarterback has the Rams' offense humming. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 5 Jan. 2026 Brain-scanning studies suggest that this network is constantly humming away, mostly beyond our conscious awareness. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025 Plug in Austen Pleasants and keep the machine humming. Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025 Tua Tagovailoa had the Hope Machine humming just a couple of years ago, remember? Miami Herald, 28 Dec. 2025 The Willow Wave solves this problem by replacing a humming motor with an old-school, manual pump mechanism—but without sacrificing the mobility that makes wearable pumps so appealing in the first place. Rachel Feltman, Popular Science, 25 Dec. 2025 According to our recent survey of officials in Michigan communities, local democracy is humming along and city hall is taking care of business. Stephanie Leiser, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025 Turns out, the best way to conquer a lingering childhood fear is facing it head-on—with just a tiny headlamp, sturdy trekking poles, and showtunes humming in your head. Julia Sullivan, Outside, 18 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humming
Adjective
  • Once a pivotal railway stop, later the site of world-stage events, like the 1996 Olympic Games, and most recently, a filming epicenter, Conyers has blossomed into a buzzing destination, drawing visitors from across the globe.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026
  • The cancellations made up nearly half of the airline’s flight schedule during the buzzing holiday season.
    Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • First responders in Atlanta rushed to an airport runway Tuesday after an aircraft experienced a harrowing landing failure, with all eight of its landing tires bursting the moment the plane touched down, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • And Johnson can’t erase the imagery of poor Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham, a top-5 pick, bursting through the B-gap at the snap only to be crushed by guard Jonah Jackson.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Pittsburgh Police say a woman has been charged with animal neglect and is accused of zipping a puppy inside of a suitcase.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
  • Cooking classes, e-biking through the vineyards, hot air balloon rides, and zipping around the country roads in a Ferrari are also on offer.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Visiting the restaurant has become an expression of the purest form of Panthers fandom — and that’s helped make this week quite busy ahead of the Panthers’ first home playoff game in 10 years.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Those who remain are concentrated in Venezuela’s cities, including its capital, Caracas, where the street market in the Catia neighborhood once was so busy that shoppers bumped into one another and dodged oncoming traffic.
    Regina Garcia Cano, Fortune, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Joe is plagued with visions of his dead father during his therapy sessions and hears disembodied voices whispering while hanging out with friends.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The influencer was seen whispering into the ear of the football star and father of three as well as putting her hand on his back.
    Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Ronny Hartmann | Afp | Getty Images Rolls-Royce shares have hit fresh record highs every single trading day so far this year, as the aerospace and defense firm reaps benefits from multiple directions – from its exposure to defense, to its thriving power systems business and a wider FTSE 100 rally.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Settlements turned into towns, towns turned into thriving American port cities.
    Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of being filled with whirring and grinding, the air is quiet, as workers in dozens of open-air cubicles assemble tiny electronic parts under microscopes.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 16 Dec. 2025
  • Many stood silently beneath the waning moon, police helicopters whirring overhead.
    Sara James, NBC news, 16 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • With their vibrant pink color and unusual picotee pattern, the flowers of 'Supra Cherry' picotee dianthus will command attention in the garden.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Shop it in a set of two or pick up a single jar, and choose from two colors, including this deep green or vibrant orange.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Humming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humming. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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