as in purr
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
we heard the hum of an outboard motor and a few minutes later the small craft came into sight
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hum
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
One of these experiment models, ABRACADABRA, employs high-sensitivity radio to capture the faint hum of axion’s oscillating magnetic fields thanks to the close cooperation of UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
Nolan Lewis, Architectural Digest, 27 Apr. 2026
But buying Globalstar is a smart move that underscores the company’s commitment to satellite connectivity, which will keep the Amazon flywheel humming in the coming years.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hum
Noun
In the golden light of evening, with the background hum of cicadas and the scent of immortelle and lavender on the breeze, the effect is intoxicating—even before your Murtoli Negroni.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
One of these experiment models, ABRACADABRA, employs high-sensitivity radio to capture the faint hum of axion’s oscillating magnetic fields thanks to the close cooperation of UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
Most of us turn to mechanical fixes—air conditioners humming, ceiling fans whirring at full tilt.
—Nolan Lewis, Architectural Digest, 27 Apr. 2026
But buying Globalstar is a smart move that underscores the company’s commitment to satellite connectivity, which will keep the Amazon flywheel humming in the coming years.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hum
Noun
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The production wears its metaphors lightly with a wink and a purr.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
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On most days, the surf is loud enough to mask the steady purr of cars.—
Jeffrey Marlow,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the teen’s case, five large keloids abruptly burst from her chickenpox scars, breaking out in different places on her body—on her right jaw, chest, abdomen, and right flank.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
24 Apr. 2026
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Amazon’s sale section is bursting with stellar deals this weekend — and these budget-friendly picks are no exception.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At the time of his murder, Mizell was in a lounge on the studio’s second floor with another man when two men were buzzed in.—
Andrew Flanagan,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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TopicsVogue Parties The Met Gala buzz starts now.—
Aaron Royce,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Of course, this being DC and the WHCD, there are always whispers and smoke.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
25 Apr. 2026
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In Islamabad, the almost indecipherable whisper of leaks has turned to crickets.—
Nic Robertson,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nicholas Galitzine, resplendent with wavy blond hair and bulging muscles, has the power.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
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Rather than use a standard shopping basket or bag, the man’s backpack appeared to be bulging at the seams — its straps straining under the weight of unidentified and clearly heavy cargo.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Even just crossing the street, where endless mopeds and cars are zipping between each other, can feel like a feat.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
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In the final minute of the second, Heiskanen zipped a wrist shot past Wallstedt to give Dallas the lead back.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Everything is quiet apart from the rustle of leaves and the gentle murmur of voices from the bar.—
Irenie Forshaw,
TheWeek,
19 Mar. 2026
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Snowy and great egrets swoop across the water, and a gentle breeze rustles the golden-hued marsh grass this region is said to be named for.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Most of us turn to mechanical fixes—air conditioners humming, ceiling fans whirring at full tilt.—
Nolan Lewis,
Architectural Digest,
27 Apr. 2026
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Shadows and strange sounds can set imaginations whirring—from the guttural roar of a hunting lion to the giggling calls of a feasting hyena pack.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hum. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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