hump: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Mostly informal; the vulgar slang is highly informal/offensive.
Quick answer
What does “hump” mean?
A rounded lump or protuberance, especially on the back of an animal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rounded lump or protuberance, especially on the back of an animal.
A difficult or unpleasant stage, especially in a process or journey; to lift, move, or carry something heavy with difficulty; to have sex (vulgar slang).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor differences in frequency of colloquial use (e.g., 'over the hump' for a difficult part). The vulgar slang meaning is universal in informal contexts.
Connotations
In both, the animal-related meaning is neutral. 'Humped' as a past tense verb for carrying is more common in UK colloquial speech.
Frequency
The noun referring to a physical lump is equally common. Colloquial phrases like 'hump it' (to move quickly/leave) are more British. The phrase 'speed hump' is common in UK; 'speed bump' is dominant in US.
Grammar
How to Use “hump” in a Sentence
hump [noun] (e.g., hump a rucksack)[noun] hump (e.g., a hump on the road)get/be over the humpVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hump” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The dromedary camel has a single large hump.
- They installed a new sleeping policeman, or speed hump, on the estate road.
- We've got the funding sorted, so we're over the hump now.
American English
- The bison has a pronounced hump on its shoulders.
- The truck jolted as it went over the speed bump.
- Once we get past Wednesday, it's all downhill—it's hump day!
verb
British English
- I had to hump my suitcase all the way from the station.
- He humped the sack of potatoes onto his shoulder.
- We'd better hump it, or we'll miss the last train.
American English
- We spent the afternoon humping boxes into the new apartment.
- He humped his backpack up the mountain trail.
- The movers humped the piano up three flights of stairs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal: 'We're finally over the hump with this project deadline.'
Academic
Limited use, mostly in biology/zoology: 'the dorsal hump of the bison.'
Everyday
Common for describing small hills/lumps: 'There's a speed hump on our street.' Also informal for heavy labour: 'I had to hump these boxes upstairs.'
Technical
In civil engineering/road design: 'traffic calming hump.' In geology: 'a basaltic hump.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hump”
- Using 'hump' for a large, natural hill (use 'hill'). Using the vulgar meaning in inappropriate contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. Its primary meaning (a rounded lump) is not rude. However, as a verb meaning 'to have sex', it is vulgar slang and considered offensive in polite or formal contexts.
They are similar traffic calming devices. A speed hump is typically broader and gentler, designed for lower speeds. A speed bump is more abrupt and shorter. In the UK, 'hump' is more common; in the US, 'bump' is dominant.
It's an informal idiom meaning you have passed the most difficult or challenging part of a task, project, or period. For example, 'Once the prototype was approved, we were over the hump.'
Yes, it is commonly used in informal British and American English to mean 'to carry or move something heavy with effort', e.g., 'I humped my luggage up the stairs.' It can also mean to move quickly ('hump it').
A rounded lump or protuberance, especially on the back of an animal.
Hump is usually mostly informal; the vulgar slang is highly informal/offensive. in register.
Hump: in British English it is pronounced /hʌmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /hʌmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “over the hump (past the most difficult part)”
- “hump day (informal, Wednesday)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A HUMPback whale has a huge HUMP on its back.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTIES ARE PHYSICAL OBSTACLES (e.g., 'getting over the hump').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hump' MOST likely to be considered vulgar and offensive?