ho-hum

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of ho-humnext
1
: routine, dull
a ho-hum existence
2
: bored, indifferent
a ho-hum reaction
used to express weariness, boredom, or disdain

Examples of ho-hum in a Sentence

Adjective the characterizations are good, but the plot is just ho-hum
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
But conversely, O’Hara, who died late last week at 71, could make a ho-hum phrase utterly hilarious. Jocelyn Noveck, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026 The January jobs report is due out next Friday, with analysts forecasting another ho-hum 50,000 job gains. Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Interjection
Scottie Scheffler, ho hum The world’s best golfer won The American Express yesterday in his first start of the year, which is both astounding and unsurprising. Chris Branch, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026 The distinction between being unique and ho hum is as thin as the crust. Bill Field, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ho-hum

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

imitative

First Known Use

Adjective

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Interjection

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ho-hum was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

hoi
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ho-hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ho-hum. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

ho hum

interjection
ˈhō-ˈhəm
used to express weariness, boredom, or disdain
Etymology

Interjection

imitative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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