How to Pronounce Hum

To pronounce "hum", say HUM — one syllable, IPA /ˈhʌm/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

hum

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/ˈhʌm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “hum”

"hum" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with thrum and glum, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: humm — easy to mix up when writing.

What does hum mean?

interjection

  1. Indicating thinking or pondering.

    “Hmm... I just can't decide between the two.”

  2. A demand for an answer to a question.

    “Just where were you until 2 a.m.? Hmm?”

noun

  1. A hummed tune, i.e. created orally with lips closed.
  2. An often indistinct sound resembling human humming.

    “They could hear a hum coming from the kitchen, and found the dishwasher on.”

verb

  1. To make a sound from the vocal chords without pronouncing any real words, with one's lips closed.

    “We are humming happily along with the music.”

  2. To express by humming.

    “The team ominously hummed “We shall overcome” as they came back onto the field after the break.”

Synonyms

hnnbumblebustlebuzzcroonhustlewhir

Words that rhyme with hum

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

thrumglumbumsuccumbhumdrumoutcomeovercomeplumbnumbcomeplumdumb

Related words

buzzthrumseethehmmbeepnoiseummsnoring

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "hum"?▾

"Hum" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "hum"?▾

The IPA transcription of "hum" is /ˈhʌm/.

What does "hum" mean?▾

Hum: Indicating thinking or pondering.

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