hum
word
/ˈhəm/
huhm
/hˈʌm/
huhm
Definition
To make a continuous low sound, like a person singing without words or the steady noise of machines or insects.
Usage & Nuances
Used as both verb and noun. As a verb, usually means singing a tune softly without words ('hum a tune'), or a soft continuous sound (appliances, insects). 'Hum' can suggest being distracted or pleased. Sometimes used figuratively ('the city was humming with activity').
Spanish: tararear - zumbarPortuguese (BR): cantarolar - zumbirPortuguese (PT): cantarolar - zumbirChinese (Simplified): 哼唱 - 嗡嗡响Chinese (Traditional): 哼唱 - 嗡嗡響Hindi: गुनगुनाना - भनभनानाArabic: يدندن - يطن (صوت)Bengali: হাম - গুনগুনRussian: гудеть - напевать (без слов) - жужжаниеJapanese: ハミングする - ブーンという音Vietnamese: ngân nga - kêu vo veKorean: 흥얼거리다 - 웅웅거리다Turkish: mırıldanmak - uğuldamakUrdu: گنگنانا - بھنبھناہٹIndonesian: bersenandung - dengungan
Example Sentences
She likes to hum her favorite song.
basic
The fridge makes a quiet hum.
basic
Bees hum in the garden.
basic
He was so happy he started to hum while cooking dinner.
natural
There’s a constant hum in this office from all the computers.
natural
The whole place was humming with excitement before the show started.
natural