/hum/ , v. , hummed, humming , n., interj.
v.i.
1. to make a low, continuous, droning sound.
2. to give forth an indistinct sound of mingled voices or noises.
3. to utter an indistinct sound in hesitation, embarrassment, dissatisfaction, etc.; hem.
4. to sing with closed lips, without articulating words.
5. to be in a state of busy activity: The household hummed in preparation for the wedding.
6. Brit. Slang. to have a bad odor, as of stale perspiration.
v.t.
7. to sound, sing, or utter by humming: to hum a tune.
8. to bring, put, etc., by humming: to hum a child to sleep.
n.
9. the act or sound of humming; an inarticulate or indistinct murmur; hem.
10. Audio. an unwanted low-frequency sound caused by power-line frequencies in any audio component.
interj.
11. (an inarticulate sound uttered in contemplation, hesitation, dissatisfaction, doubt, etc.)
[ 1300-50; ME; ult. imit.; c. G hummen to hum; cf. HUMBLEBEE ]
Syn. 5. bustle, buzz.