English Reference
noun · verb

hump

n. · v.
US /ˈhəmp/ UK /hˈʌmp/ hump UK spelling humping, humps

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a large, rounded part on the back of an animal like a camel.

    n.a rounded fleshy mass or protuberance on the back of certain mammals, such as a camel or zebu, used for fat storage.

    Simple

    The camel has a large hump on its back where it stores fat.

    In context

    Bactrian camels are easily distinguished from dromedaries by the presence of two humps rather than one.

    protuberancelumpbulge
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.a small hill or a raised part of a road used to slow down cars.

    n.a rounded mound of earth or a raised pavement section designed to reduce vehicle speed in residential areas.

    Simple

    The driver slowed down as the car went over a speed hump.

    In context

    Local residents petitioned the council to install speed humps to discourage motorists from using their narrow street as a shortcut.

    moundspeed bump
  3. 03 C1 Advanced British EnglishInformal

    n.a state of being annoyed or in a bad mood.

    n.a fit of depression or sulkiness; a state of annoyance.

    Simple

    Don't talk to him right now; he's got the hump because his team lost.

    In context

    She’s had the hump all afternoon ever since the manager rejected her proposal without providing any constructive feedback.

    sulkbad mood
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    v.to carry something heavy with a lot of effort.

    v.to carry or lug a heavy or awkward object, typically over a distance and with significant physical exertion.

    Simple

    We had to hump all our camping gear up the side of the mountain.

    In context

    The infantry were expected to hump fifty-pound packs across the rugged terrain for hours without a break.

    lugheaveschlep
  5. 05 C1 Advanced SlangVulgar

    v.to have sex with someone.

    v.to engage in sexual intercourse; to thrust the pelvis rhythmically against someone or something.

    Simple

    The dog was trying to hump the visitor's leg.

    In context

    The film was criticized for a scene where the characters hump in a public park, which many viewers found unnecessary.

    copulatemate
  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to curve your back or a surface into a rounded shape.

    v.to arch or bend something into a hump-like shape.

    Simple

    The cat humped its back and hissed when the dog approached.

    In context

    The old man humped his shoulders against the wind as he trudged through the snowstorm.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated