ho-hum

1 of 2

adjective

ˈhō-ˈhəm How to pronounce ho-hum (audio)
Synonyms of ho-humnext
1
: routine, dull
a ho-hum existence
2
: bored, indifferent
a ho-hum reaction

ho hum

2 of 2

interjection

ˈhō-ˈhəm How to pronounce ho hum (audio)
—used to express weariness, boredom, or disdain

Synonyms of ho-hum

Relevance

Adjective

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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
Cross over, and suddenly ho-hum drugstores and fast-food restaurants transform into vibrant shops and cafes. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 June 2026 Where pre-2020 San Jose might have seen packed lunch spots and ho-hum nightlife, that cycle has now flipped. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
Interjection
The distinction between being unique and ho hum is as thin as the crust. — Bill Field, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025 Moreover, on a day-to-day basis, not just month-to-month, record lows are almost becoming, well, ho hum. — Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2017 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

Hohokam Pima National Monument
ho-hum
ho hum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ho-hum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ho-hum. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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