Definition of "hum" in English

noun

1. A hummed tune, i.e. created orally with lips closed.

2. An often indistinct sound resembling human humming.

   • They could hear a hum coming from the kitchen, and found the dishwasher on.

3. Busy activity, like the buzz of a beehive.

4. (UK, slang) Unpleasant odour.

5. (dated) An imposition or hoax; humbug.

6. (obsolete) A kind of strong drink.

7. (with article) A phenomenon, or collection of phenomena, involving widespread reports of a persistent and invasive low-frequency humming, rumbling, or droning noise not audible to all people.

verb

1. (intransitive) To make a sound from the vocal cords without pronouncing any real words, with one's lips closed.

   • We are humming happily along with the music.

2. (transitive) To express by humming.

   • to hum a tune
   • The team hummed “We Shall Overcome” as they came back onto the field after the break.

3. (intransitive) To drone like certain insects naturally do in motion, or sounding similarly.

4. (intransitive) To buzz, be busily active like a beehive

   • The streets were humming with activity.

5. (intransitive) To produce low sounds which blend continuously

6. (British, slang) To reek, smell bad.

   • This room really hums — have you ever tried spring cleaning, mate?

7. (transitive, UK, dated, slang) To flatter by approving; to cajole; to deceive or impose upon; to humbug.

interjection

1. Synonym of hmm: a noise indicating thought, consideration, &c.

2. Synonym of um: a noise indicating doubt, uncertainty, &c.

noun

1. (informal, Malaysia, Singapore) Synonym of see hum (“blood cockles, ark clams”).