hum

A low, steady sound, like a quiet voice with the mouth closed or a running machine.

• I could hear a low hum.
• The fridge made a steady hum all night.
• A quiet hum came from the next room.

How to use it: hum of something (We heard the hum of the air conditioner.)

Similar words: buzz, drone

Common phrases: low hum, steady hum

To make a musical sound with your lips closed, without using words.

• She began to hum softly.
• He hummed while washing the dishes.
• Do you hum when you are happy?

Similar words: croon

Common phrases: hum quietly, hum to oneself

To make a song or tune with your lips closed, without singing its words.

• He hummed a familiar tune.
• Can you hum the song you heard?
• She was humming the melody as she cooked.

How to use it: hum something (Can you hum the tune for me?)

Similar words: buzz, croon

Common phrases: hum a tune, hum a song

To make a low, continuous sound, like a running engine or machine.

• The fridge hums all night.
• An engine hummed outside the window.
• The wires were humming in the wind.

Similar words: buzz, drone, whir

Common phrases: engines hum, hum softly

To be full of people, movement, or busy work.

• The office was humming with activity.
• By noon, the town was humming with life.
• Business is humming again after a quiet winter.

How to use it: hum with something (The market hummed with activity.)

Similar words: buzz, bustle

Common phrases: hum with activity, hum with life