hmm

Alternative forms

• hm, hmmm, h'm

Etymology

See hum.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /hm̩/, /m̥m̩/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Interjection

hmm

1. Indicating thinking or pondering.
   • 1991 May 12, "Kidnapped!" Jeeves and Wooster, Series 2, Episode 5:

     Jeeves: Foreign travel often liberates emotions best kept in check, sir. The air of North America is notoriously stimulating in this regard, as witness the regrettable behavior of its inhabitants in 1776.
     B. Wooster: Hmm? What happened in 1776, Jeeves?
     Jeeves: I prefer not to dwell on it, if it's convenient to you, sir.

   Hmm... that's an interesting idea.

   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?

Verb

hmm (third-person singular simple present hmms, present participle hmming, simple past and past participle hmmed)

1. (intransitive) To make a thoughtful humming noise.

See also

• hrmph
• humph
• hmph

Anagrams

• MMH, mhm

Interjection

hmm

1. expressing skepticism

   Paul viendra mardi. - Hmm.. j'en suis pas si sûr.

Further reading

• “hmm” in le Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

Interjection

hmm

1. Indicating thinking, pondering, surprise or annoyance.

Interjection

hmm

1. Alternative form of hm