What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hum
Example
The air conditioner hummed softly in the background. [hum: verb]
Example
She hummed a tune as she worked on her painting. [hummed: past tense]
Example
The garden was alive with the hum of bees and other insects. [hum: noun]
whir
Example
The fan whirred loudly as it spun around. [whir: verb]
Example
The drill whirred as it bored into the wood. [whirred: past tense]
Example
The hummingbird's wings made a soft whirring sound as it hovered in mid-air. [whir: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hum is more commonly used than whir in everyday language. Hum is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while whir is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hum and whir?
Both hum and whir are relatively informal words, but hum may be slightly more formal due to its wider range of usage and neutral connotation.
