Hum vs. Buzz: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 22, 2024
Hum refers to a low, steady sound often produced by machines or people, whereas buzz describes a continuous, high-pitched sound typically associated with insects or electrical devices.
Key Differences
Hum refers to a low, steady sound that can be produced by various sources like machines, engines, or even people. For example, the hum of an air conditioner is a constant background noise that can be somewhat soothing. On the other hand, buzz is a continuous, high-pitched sound often linked to insects like bees or the noise from electronic devices.
The hum is generally considered a more mellow sound and can be associated with a feeling of calm or routine. People might hum a tune absentmindedly, creating a soothing atmosphere. Conversely, the buzz is often more irritating and can signify activity or excitement. The buzz of a crowded room indicates lively conversation and movement.
Hum typically indicates a slower, more monotonous vibration, making it a less intrusive sound. The hum of a refrigerator, for example, blends into the background noise of a household. Whereas buzz is a faster vibration, creating a more noticeable and sometimes annoying sound. The buzz of a fluorescent light can be distracting and hard to ignore.
In many contexts, hum can signify contentment or quiet productivity. For instance, the hum of a busy office suggests people working steadily. However, buzz is more associated with urgency or alertness. The buzz of an alarm clock, for example, demands immediate attention.
Hum often has a soothing quality and can be used to describe a sense of calmness or regularity. The hum of a meditation session promotes relaxation. On the other hand, buzz carries a sense of urgency or disturbance. The buzz of a phone can interrupt a quiet moment, drawing attention immediately.
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Comparison Chart
Sound Pitch
Low, steady
High-pitched, continuous
Common Sources
Machines, engines, people
Insects, electronic devices
Vibration Speed
Slower, more monotonous
Faster, more noticeable
Connotation
Calm, routine
Activity, urgency
Emotional Effect
Soothing, blends into background
Irritating, attention-grabbing
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Hum and Buzz Definitions
Hum
A low, steady sound.
The refrigerator hums softly in the kitchen.
Buzz
A continuous, high-pitched sound.
The fly buzzed around the room.
Hum
To sing with closed lips.
She hummed a lullaby to her baby.
Buzz
To make a buzzing sound.
Bees buzzed around the garden.
Hum
To produce a sound like a hum.
The computer began to hum as it powered on.
Buzz
To be filled with activity or excitement.
The newsroom was buzzing with the latest news.
Hum
To emit a continuous low droning sound like that of the speech sound (m) when prolonged.
Buzz
A sound signaling urgency or alertness.
His phone buzzed with an incoming call.
Hum
To emit the continuous droning sound of a bee on the wing; buzz.
Buzz
To make a low droning or vibrating sound like that of a bee.
Hum
To give forth a low continuous drone blended of many sounds
The avenue hummed with traffic.
Buzz
To talk, often excitedly, in low tones.
Hum
To be in a state of busy activity.
Buzz
To be abuzz; hum
The department was buzzing with rumors.
Hum
To produce a tune without opening the lips or forming words.
Buzz
To move quickly and busily; bustle.
Hum
To sing (a tune) without opening the lips or forming words.
Buzz
To make a signal with a buzzer.
Hum
(Baseball) To throw or pitch (a ball) very fast.
Buzz
To cause to buzz.
Hum
The sound produced by humming.
Buzz
To utter in a rapid, low voice
"What is he buzzing in my ears?" (Robert Browning).
Hum
The act of humming.
Buzz
(Informal) To fly low over
The plane buzzed the control tower.
Hum
Used to indicate hesitation, surprise, or displeasure.
Buzz
To call or signal with a buzzer.
Hum
A hummed tune, i.e. created orally with lips closed.
Buzz
To make a telephone call to.
Hum
An often indistinct sound resembling human humming.
They could hear a hum coming from the kitchen, and found the dishwasher on.
Buzz
To give a buzzcut to.
Hum
Busy activity, like the buzz of a beehive.
Buzz
A vibrating, humming, or droning sound.
Hum
Unpleasant odour.
Buzz
A low murmur
A buzz of talk.
Hum
(dated) An imposition or hoax; humbug.
Buzz
A telephone call
Give me a buzz at nine.
Hum
(obsolete) A kind of strong drink.
Buzz
A state of pleasant intoxication, as from alcohol.
Hum
A phenomenon, or collection of phenomena, involving widespread reports of a persistent and invasive low-frequency humming, rumbling, or droning noise not audible to all people.
Buzz
A state of stimulation or overstimulation, as from caffeine.
Hum
(intransitive) 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.
Buzz
Excited interest or attention
"The biggest buzz surrounds the simplest antioxidants.
Hum
(transitive) To express by humming.
To hum a tune
The team ominously hummed “We shall overcome” as they came back onto the field after the break.
Buzz
Rumor; gossip
The latest buzz from Hollywood.
Hum
(intransitive) To drone like certain insects naturally do in motion, or sounding similarly
Buzz
A buzzcut.
Hum
(intransitive) To buzz, be busily active like a beehive
The streets were humming with activity.
Buzz
A continuous humming noise, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones.
Hum
(intransitive) To produce low sounds which blend continuously
Buzz
A whisper.
Hum
To reek, smell bad.
This room really hums — have you ever tried spring cleaning, mate?
Buzz
The audible friction of voiced consonants.
Hum
To flatter by approving; to cajole; to deceive or impose upon; to humbug.
Buzz
(informal) A rush or feeling of energy or excitement; a feeling of slight intoxication.
Still feeling the buzz from the coffee, he pushed through the last of the homework.
Hum
Syn of hmm: a noise indicating thought, consideration, &c.
Buzz
(informal) A telephone call or e-mail.
Hum
Syn of um: a noise indicating doubt, uncertainty, &c.
Buzz
(informal) Major topic of conversation; widespread rumor; information spread behind the scenes.
Hum
To make a low, prolonged sound, like that of a bee in flight; to drone; to murmur; to buzz; as, a top hums.
Still humming on, their drowsy course they keep.
Buzz
(uncountable) fizz-buzz
Hum
To make a nasal sound, like that of the letter m prolonged, without opening the mouth, or articulating; to mumble in monotonous undertone; to drone.
The cloudy messenger turns me his back,And hums.
Buzz
(intransitive) To make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their wings.
Hum
To make an inarticulate sound, like h'm, through the nose in the process of speaking, from embarrassment or a affectation; to hem.
Buzz
(by extension) To utter a murmuring sound; to speak with a low, humming voice.
Hum
To express satisfaction by a humming noise.
Here the spectators hummed.
Buzz
Of a group of people, to talk about some interesting topic excitedly.
Hum
To have the sensation of a humming noise; as, my head hums, - a pathological condition.
Buzz
To fly while making such a sound.
A fly was buzzing past me.
Hum
To sing with shut mouth; to murmur without articulation; to mumble; as, to hum a tune.
Buzz
(colloquial) To show a high level of activity and haste, energization or excitement, to be busy as a bee in one’s actions but perhaps mentally charged.
Hum
To express satisfaction with by humming.
Buzz
(transitive) To whisper; to communicate, as tales, in an undertone; to spread, as a report, by whispers or secretly.
Hum
To flatter by approving; to cajole; to impose on; to humbug.
Buzz
(transitive) To talk to incessantly or confidentially in a low humming voice.
Hum
A low monotonous noise, as of bees in flight, of a swiftly revolving top, of a wheel, or the like; a drone; a buzz.
The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums.
Buzz
(aviation) To fly at high speed and at a very low altitude over a specified area, as to make a surprise pass.
Hum
Any inarticulate and buzzing sound
But 'midst the crowd, the hum, the shock of men.
Buzz
(transitive) To cut the hair in a close-cropped military style, or buzzcut.
Hum
A buzz or murmur, as of approbation.
Buzz
To drink to the bottom.
Hum
An imposition or hoax.
Buzz
(transitive) To communicate with (a person) by means of a buzzer.
Hum
An inarticulate nasal sound or murmur, like h'm, uttered by a speaker in pause from embarrassment, affectation, etc.
These shrugs, these hums and ha's.
Buzz
To make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their wings. Hence: To utter a murmuring sound; to speak with a low, humming voice.
Like a wasp is buzzed, and stung him.
However these disturbers of our peaceBuzz in the people's ears.
Hum
A kind of strong drink formerly used.
Buzz
To sound forth by buzzing.
Hum
Ahem; hem; an inarticulate sound uttered in a pause of speech implying doubt and deliberation.
Buzz
To whisper; to communicate, as tales, in an under tone; to spread, as report, by whispers, or secretly.
I will buzz abroad such propheciesThat Edward shall be fearful of his life.
Hum
The state of being or appearing to be actively engaged in an activity;
They manifested all the busyness of a pack of beavers
There is a constant hum of military preparation
Buzz
To talk to incessantly or confidentially in a low humming voice.
Hum
An Islamic fundamentalist group in Pakistan that fought the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in the 1980s; now operates as a terrorist organization primarily in Kashmir and seeks Kashmir's accession by Pakistan
Buzz
To sound with a "buzz".
Hum
A humming noise;
The hum of distant traffic
Buzz
A continuous, humming noise, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones, or of a general expression of surprise or approbation.
I found the whole room in a buzz of politics.
There is a buzz all around regarding the sermon.
Hum
Sing with closed lips;
She hummed a melody
Buzz
A whisper; a report spread secretly or cautiously.
There's a certain buzzOf a stolen marriage.
Hum
Be noisy with activity;
This office is buzzing with activity
Buzz
The audible friction of voice consonants.
Hum
Sound with a monotonous hum
Buzz
Sound of rapid vibration;
The buzz of a bumble bee
Hum
Make a low continuous sound;
The refrigerator is humming
Buzz
A confusion of activity and gossip;
The buzz of excitement was so great that a formal denial was issued
Hum
A continuous background noise.
The hum of the city was constant and comforting.
Buzz
Make a buzzing sound;
Bees were buzzing around the hive
Hum
To be filled with a low, steady sound.
The office hummed with quiet productivity.
Buzz
Fly low;
Planes buzzed the crowds in the square
Buzz
Be noisy with activity;
This office is buzzing with activity
Buzz
Call with a buzzer;
He buzzed the servant
Buzz
A sound made by insects or electronic devices.
The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead.
FAQs
What is the primary difference between hum and buzz?
Hum refers to a low, steady sound, while buzz describes a high-pitched, continuous sound.
Is humming considered soothing?
Yes, humming is often considered soothing and can blend into background noise.
Is the hum of an engine loud?
The hum of an engine can vary but is usually steady and low-pitched.
What typically makes a buzzing sound?
Insects like bees and electronic devices commonly produce buzzing sounds.
Does buzz imply excitement?
Buzz can indicate activity, excitement, or urgency.
Can people hum?
Yes, people often hum by producing a sound with their lips closed.
Do machines hum or buzz?
Machines can hum if they produce a low, steady sound, but some might buzz if they emit a high-pitched noise.
What sound does a refrigerator typically make?
A refrigerator typically makes a humming sound.
Why might a buzz be irritating?
The high-pitched nature of a buzz can be distracting and hard to ignore.
Can a buzzing sound be dangerous?
Buzzing from electrical devices might indicate a malfunction and can be dangerous.
What emotion does a hum evoke?
Hum can evoke a sense of calmness and routine.
Is buzzing associated with nature?
Yes, buzzing is often associated with insects like bees in nature.
Is humming a musical activity?
Yes, people often hum tunes as a form of casual music-making.
Can hum indicate productivity?
Yes, a steady hum can suggest a calm, productive environment.
Do bees hum or buzz?
Bees buzz, making a high-pitched sound with their wings.
Is a hum louder than a buzz?
Not necessarily; hums are usually low-pitched and can be quieter, whereas buzzes are more noticeable due to their high pitch.
Can buzz be used in a positive context?
Yes, buzz can describe positive excitement or anticipation.
Why might a buzz sound urgent?
The high-pitched, continuous nature of a buzz can signal urgency or demand attention.
Can humming help with relaxation?
Yes, many find humming to be a relaxing activity.
Can hum and buzz describe the same sound?
Typically, no; hum and buzz describe different sound characteristics, with hum being low and steady and buzz being high-pitched and continuous.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
