hum
MediumInformal, slightly onomatopoeic
Definition
Meaning
To make a low, continuous, steady sound like that of a bee or a running machine.
To be active or full of activity; to sing with closed lips; to express approval or uncertainty with a humming sound.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb (intransitive and transitive). Can be used as a noun to refer to the sound itself ("the hum of the fridge"). Implies a neutral or pleasant, often background, sound.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or form. The noun 'hum' for a bad smell (UK slang) is very rare. The use in 'hum and haw' (UK) vs. 'hem and haw' (US).
Connotations
Equally neutral/connotative in both variants for the main meaning.
Frequency
Equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
S __ (The machine hummed.)S __ PP (The room hummed with excitement.)S __ NP (She hummed a tune.)S __ to NP (He hummed to himself.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hum and haw (UK)”
- “hem and haw (US)”
- “make things hum”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The new department is really humming with new projects." (meaning: very active)
Academic
Rare, except in descriptive prose (e.g., "the hum of the laboratory centrifuge").
Everyday
"Can you hear that hum from the fridge?" / "She was humming a pop song."
Technical
Used in acoustics/engineering to describe a low-frequency noise (e.g., "50 Hz mains hum").
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old fridge hummed loudly in the quiet kitchen.
- He hummed the theme tune to himself while he worked.
- The market hummed with activity on Saturday morning.
American English
- The air conditioner hummed all night.
- She hummed along to the song on the radio.
- The factory floor hummed with efficiency.
adverb
British English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not standardly used as an adjective.
American English
- Not standardly used as an adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bee hums.
- My computer hums.
- I could hear the hum of traffic from my flat.
- She hummed a happy tune while she cleaned.
- The city never sleeps; it just hums with a different, quieter energy at night.
- After the initial confusion, the team began to hum along smoothly.
- He hummed and hawed for ten minutes before finally giving an answer.
- The concert hall was humming with anticipation before the maestro appeared.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HUM sounds like the sound it represents: lips closed, a low 'mmmm'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACTIVITY IS HUM ("The office was humming."); UNCERTAINTY IS A HUM ("He hummed and hawed.")
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'хмм' (thinking sound). 'Hum' is a continuous sound, not an interjection. The Russian 'гудеть' is a good translation for machines; 'напевать' is better for singing.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hum' for a high-pitched sound (use 'whistle' or 'screech'). Confusing 'hum' (sound) with 'hm' (thinking).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'make things hum' idiomatically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's for any low continuous sound: bees, people singing, engines, or even a busy place ('hum of conversation').
They are often interchangeable, but 'buzz' can imply a slightly higher pitch or more vibration (a buzzer, a bee), while 'hum' is often lower and smoother (a fridge, a turbine).
Yes, very commonly. 'The hum of the refrigerator kept me awake.' It refers to the sound itself.
Yes, in British English. In American English, the more common phrase is 'hem and haw.' Both mean to hesitate or be indecisive in speech.