Humming Meaning and Definition
Humming
Pronunciation
/ˈhʊmɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Definition
Humming: (Verb) to make a low, vibrating sound, typically with the tongue, in a soft, steady rhythm. (Noun) a low, continuous humming or vibrating sound.
Examples
- The fan in the background started humming loudly.
- Come closer, let me hum a tune for you.
Synonyms
- Whining
- Murmuring
- Rumbling
Antonyms
- Silence
- Quiet
- Stillness
Etymology
The word “humming” originated from the Old English word “hūm” meaning “to murmur” or “to hum”.
Usage Notes
In British English, the verb “to hum” can also mean to mumble or mutter to oneself, whereas in American English, it typically refers to making a low-pitched sound.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the word “humming” has been referenced in various songs, such as “Hummingbird” by The Roots and “The Humming” by Travis.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Humming along” means to be in a state of complete relaxation or contentment.
- “A humming bird” refers to a person who is quiet and reserved, but has a strong inner energy.
Related Words or Phrases
- Vibrating
- Grunting
- Murmuring
Collocations
- Humming engine
- Humming machine
- Humming noise
Frequency of Use
According to the Oxford English Corpus, the verb “to hum” is used in approximately 0.12% of all language instances.
Common Misspellings
- Humming vs. Humping
- Humming vs. Hummingbird