n.
Pronunciation: ' h ə m
Function: verb
Inflected Form: hummed ; hum · ming
Etymology: Middle English hummen; akin to Middle High German hummen to hum, Middle Dutch hommel bumblebee
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 a : to utter a sound like that of the speech sound \ m \ prolonged b : to make the natural noise of an insect in motion or a similar sound : DRONE c : to give forth a low continuous blend of sound
2 a : to be busily active <the museum hummed with visitors> b : to run smoothly <the business started to hum >
transitive verb
1 : to sing with the lips closed and without articulation
2 : to affect or express by humming < hummed his displeasure>
– hum noun
– hum · ma · ble \ ' h ə -m ə -b ə l \ adjective