Hum /(hŭm)/

imp. & p. p. Hummed; p. pr. & vb. n. Humming

1. To make a low, prolonged sound, like that of a bee in flight; to drone; to murmur; to buzz; as, a top hums.

   Still humming on, their drowsy course they keep.

2. 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.

   The cloudy messenger turns me his back, And hums.

3. To make an inarticulate sound, like h'm, through the nose in the process of speaking, from embarrassment or a affectation; to hem.
4. To express satisfaction by a humming noise.

   Here the spectators hummed.

5. To have the sensation of a humming noise; as, my head hums, -- a pathological condition.

1. To sing with shut mouth; to murmur without articulation; to mumble; as, to hum a tune.
2. To express satisfaction with by humming.
3. To flatter by approving; to cajole; to impose on; to humbug. [Colloq. & Low]

1. A low monotonous noise, as of bees in flight, of a swiftly revolving top, of a wheel, or the like; a drone; a buzz.

   The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums.

2. Any inarticulate and buzzing sound

   But 'midst the crowd, the hum, the shock of men.

3. A buzz or murmur, as of approbation.
4. An imposition or hoax.
5. An inarticulate nasal sound or murmur, like h'm, uttered by a speaker in pause from embarrassment, affectation, etc.

   These shrugs, these hums and ha's.

6. A kind of strong drink formerly used. [Obs.]

1. Ahem; hem; an inarticulate sound uttered in a pause of speech implying doubt and deliberation.