hums

8 definitions • 12 examples

to make a continuous low sound:

The computers were humming in the background.

What's that strange humming sound?

to sing without opening your mouth:

She hummed to herself as she walked to school.

I've forgotten how that song goes - could you hum it for me?

to be busy and full of activity, excitement, sounds, or voices:

The bar was really humming last night.

to smell very unpleasant:

Your feet really hum!

a continuous low noise:

hum of Our house is on a main road, so we can hear the constant hum of traffic.

There's an annoying hum on this computer.

to make a continuous, low sound, or to sing a tune with closed lips:

[ I ] Debbie always hums to herself when she listens to music.

[ T ] I’ve forgotten how that tune goes – could you hum it for me?

fig. If something is humming, it is very busy and full of activity:

[ I ] Factories that make paper products are humming at 97% of capacity.

a continuous, low sound:

We could hear the constant hum of traffic outside the window.