# humming

/ˈhəmɪŋ/ (US) · /hˈʌmɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/humming
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

smelling very bad or unpleasant. You use this word when something, like old food or dirty clothes, has a strong, gross scent.

For teachers: emitting a strong, foul, or offensive odour. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'smell'.

## Examples

- Those old gym shoes are absolutely humming.
- You should probably take the bins out because the kitchen is starting to get a bit humming.
- The fridge had been left unplugged for a week during the heatwave, and by the time we returned, the entire kitchen was humming.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The humming engine was loud." but "The engine was humming loudly." — In its slang sense of 'smelling bad', humming is an adjective; do not confuse it with the participle describing a low vibrating sound.

## Usage notes

- Informal British and Australian slang; typically follows a linking verb to describe a state or quality.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.