Hum
Hum noun - A monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion.
Usage example: we heard the hum of an outboard motor and a few minutes later the small craft came into sight
Purr
Purr noun - A monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion.
Usage example: listened to the reassuring purr of the car engine
Hum is a synonym for purr in sound topic. You can use "Hum" instead the word "Purr" as a noun or a verb, if it concerns topics such as noise, make a buzzing sound. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Purr and Hum. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/hum/purr
Hum & Purr. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/hum/purr>.
Purr or Hum. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/hum/purr.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "hum" and "purr" have occurred on timeline