Hum: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a low, continuous sound often produced by machines or people softly singing.

• You can hear the hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen.
• She started to hum her favorite tune while cooking.

Often used to describe soft, indistinct sounds made by people conversing in the background, or natural sounds like flowing water.

• There was a murmur of voices in the crowded room.
• The gentle murmur of the stream was relaxing.

Typically describes a continuous, vibrating sound like that of bees or certain electronic devices.

• I heard the buzz of bees in the garden.
• The phone buzzed with incoming notifications.

Refers to a low, continuous sound made typically by something rapidly rotating or moving.

• The whir of the fan was the only sound in the quiet room.
• He could hear the whir of the drone as it flew overhead.

Again indicates a steady, low sound but is often used more for background noise or the sound of people talking quietly.

• The hum of conversation filled the coffee shop
• The soft hum of the computers was quite comforting

Indicates a low, continuous sound similar to that made by a bee or an electrical device. It can also describe excitement or activity.

• I could hear the buzz of the bees in the garden
• The new gadget created a lot of buzz in the tech community

A rapid, continuous sound, usually indicating fast movement or rotation, often from machinery or appliances.

• The whir of the blender drowned out our conversation
• The drone made a high-pitched whir as it flew overhead

Describes a high-pitched, fast-moving sound, often associated with something moving quickly through the air, or someone who is skilled and quick in their actions.

• I heard a whiz as the arrow flew past me
• She is a math whiz and finished the test in half the time