hum1
v.
(hums, humming, hummed)
- make a low, steady continuous sound like that of a bee.
▸sing with closed lips.
- informal be in a state of great activity.
- Brit. informal smell unpleasant.
n.
a low, steady continuous sound.
▸an unwanted low-frequency noise in an amplifier.
Phrase
- hum and haw
(or chiefly N. Amer. hem and haw)
Brit. be indecisive.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: imitative.
hum2
exclam.
used to express hesitation or dissent.
Etymology
C16: imitative; rel. to hum1.