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hum — to make a continuous low sound

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to make a continuous low sound

Pronunciation (IPA): /hʌm/

Example Sentences

  • My old computer hums like a grumpy bear when it's working hard.
  • She hums while doing dishes, making the chore more enjoyable.
  • The office hummed with excitement before the big announcement.

hum

VERB

[/hʌm/]

to make a continuous low sound

to make a continuous low sound
💡 Concept

to make a continuous low sound

Hum with the drum, watch the people come!
🎵 Rhyme

Hum with the drum, watch the people come!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/hʌm/
🇬🇧 UK/hʌm/

🌳Etymology

Roothum

Origin

This word originates from onomatopoeia, mimicking the actual sound produced by continuous low vocalization. The term has been documented in English since the 14th century, derived from the natural human sound it represents.

Breakdown

Onomatopoetic formation: the word directly imitates the humming sound itself, with no distinct morphological components. The consonant-vowel pattern 'hum' replicates the acoustic quality of the sound it denotes.

🎵Rhyme

come
some
drum
gum
sum

🔗Collocations

hum a tune
hum with activity
low hum
constant hum
hum along

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My old computer hums like a grumpy bear when it's working hard.”

“She hums while doing dishes, making the chore more enjoyable.”

“The office hummed with excitement before the big announcement.”

😄 Fun example

“I can't sleep because the neighbor's air conditioner hums louder than my uncle's snoring.”

📚Related Words

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