hum
UK: hʌm | US: hʌm
v. to make a low, continuous, droning sound
v. to sing with closed lips
n. a low, steady, continuous sound
n. (informal) a state of busy activity or excitement
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The word "hum" is an onomatopoeic term, imitating the sound it describes. It originates from Middle English hummen, likely of imitative origin, akin to Old Norse humma (to buzz) and German summen (to hum). Its meaning has remained closely tied to the sound of a low, vibrating noise, whether from bees, machinery, or human vocalization. Over time, it also acquired figurative uses, such as describing a lively atmosphere ("the hum of the city").
The bees hummed softly around the flowers.
She hummed a tune while washing the dishes.
The refrigerator emitted a faint hum in the background.
The office was alive with the hum of conversation.
There’s always a hum of excitement before the concert starts.