hum

noun8

1. •
   A hummed tune, i.e. created orally with lips closed.
2. •
   An often indistinct sound resembling human humming.

   • They could hear a hum coming from the kitchen and found the dishwasher on.
3. •
   A phenomenon, or collection of phenomena, involving widespread reports of a persistent and invasive low-frequency humming, rumbling, or droning noise not audible to all people.

   • There is a range of theories from farm or factory machinery to conspiracy theories such as flying saucers. And yet, "the hum" remains an unsolved case. — 2011
4. •
   Busy activity, like the buzz of a beehive.
5. •
   (UK, slang) Unpleasant odour.
6. •
   (Singapore, informal) Synonym of see hum (“blood cockles, ark clams”).
7. •
   (old-fashioned) An imposition or hoax; humbug.
8. •
   (no longer used) A kind of strong drink.

   • you do provide me hum enough , And lour to bouse with — 1622

verb7

1. •
   To make a sound from the vocal cords without pronouncing any real words, with one's lips closed.

   • We are humming happily along with the music.
2. •
   To express by humming.

   • The team hummed “We Shall Overcome” as they came back onto the field after the break.
3. •
   To drone like certain insects naturally do in motion, or sounding similarly.

   • A slight gloom fell upon the table. Jacob was helping himself to jam; the postman was talking to Rebecca in the kitchen; there was a bee humming at the yellow flower which nodded at the open window. — 1922
4. •
   To produce low sounds which blend continuously.
5. •
   To buzz, be busily active like a beehive.

   • The streets were humming with activity.
6. •
   (UK, slang) To reek, smell bad.

   • This room really hums — have you ever tried spring cleaning, mate?
7. •
   (slang, old-fashioned) To flatter by approving; to cajole; to deceive or impose upon; to humbug.

exclamation2

1. •
   Synonym of hmm: a noise indicating thought, consideration, &c.

   • Hum! hum! What's all this? — 1890
2. •
   Synonym of um: a noise indicating doubt, uncertainty, &c.

   • Ah, now this is why we must proceed with great circumspection. They were both, hum, “put out” themselves. — 1991

noun1

1. •
   Initialism of highly unusual method: any of a class of contract bridge bidding systems that require advance preparation to contend with, and are usually restricted to the highest levels of tournament play.