humming

Everyday

1. Humming is singing a tune with your lips closed, making a «mmm» sound. tree →
2. Humming is a low, steady buzzing sound, like bees, a fridge or machines. tree →
3. Humming (adjective) can mean busy and full of activity. tree →

In the lessons

In music lessons, children hum a tune before learning the words. In science, a humming sound comes from vibrations, such as fast-beating insect wings or a working machine; this links to how sound is made. In stories, humming shows a character is happy or relaxed, or a strange hum builds suspense. Phrases: hum a tune, hum along, the humming of bees, humming with activity.

Examples

• She was humming her favourite song while she painted. tree →
• We heard the humming of bees in the lavender. tree →
• The fridge makes a quiet humming noise. tree →
• Hum the tune if you don't know the words. tree →
• The playground was humming with excitement before the holidays. tree →
• The humming of the wires came from the electricity pylons. tree →
• ‘What’s that you’re humming?’ asked the old man. tree →

Note

Double m before -ing and -ed: hum, humming, hummed. A hum is low and steady; a buzz is sharper. Hummingbirds are named after the humming sound of their wings.