Definitions for the word "hum" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. i.
To make a low, prolonged sound, like that of a bee in flight; to drone; to murmur; to buzz; as, a top hums.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. i.
To make a nasal sound, like that of the letter m prolonged, without opening the mouth, or articulating; to mumble in monotonous undertone; to drone.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. i.
To make an inarticulate sound, like h'm, through the nose in the process of speaking, from embarrassment or a affectation; to hem.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. i.
To express satisfaction by a humming noise.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. i.
To have the sensation of a humming noise; as, my head hums, -- a pathological condition.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To sing with shut mouth; to murmur without articulation; to mumble; as, to hum a tune.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
To express satisfaction with by humming.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
To flatter by approving; to cajole; to impose on; to humbug.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
A low monotonous noise, as of bees in flight, of a swiftly revolving top, of a wheel, or the like; a drone; a buzz.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
Any inarticulate and buzzing sound
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
The confused noise of a crowd or of machinery, etc., heard at a distance; as, the hum of industry.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
A buzz or murmur, as of approbation.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
An imposition or hoax.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. interj.
An inarticulate nasal sound or murmur, like h'm, uttered by a speaker in pause from embarrassment, affectation, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. interj.
A kind of strong drink formerly used.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. interj.
Ahem; hem; an inarticulate sound uttered in a pause of speech implying doubt and deliberation.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. v.
(-mm-) 1 make a low steady continuous sound like a bee. 2 sing with closed lips. 3 utter a slight inarticulate sound. 4 colloq. Be active (really made things hum). 5 colloq. Smell unpleasantly. n. 1 humming sound. 2 colloq. Bad smell. hum and haw (or ha) hesitate; be indecisive. [imitative]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
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