Search results for 'hum':

hum verb (hummed, humming) 1 intrans to make a low, steady murmuring sound similar to that made by a bee. 2 tr & intr to sing (a tune) with closed lips. 3 intrans to speak indistinctly or stammer, especially through embarrassment or hesitation. 4 intrans, colloq to be full of activity • The whole building was humming. 5 intrans, slang to have an unpleasant smell or odour. noun 1 a humming sound. 2 an inarticulate sound or murmur. 3 slang a bad smell. exclamation expressing embarrassment or hesitation. hummable adj. hum and haw or ha or hah to make inarticulate sounds expressing doubt, uncertainty or hesitation; to hesitate • He hummed and hahed for hours before making a decision. make things hum to set things going; to stir up some activity.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: imitating the sound.