I. ˈhəm verb
( 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 ˈhə-mə-bəl adjective
II.
chiefly British variant of hem