humph

[ an inarticulate expression resembling a snort; spelling pronunciation huhmf ]

interjection
  1. (used to indicate disbelief, contempt, etc.)

verb (used with or without object)
  1. to utter by or as if by expressing “humph.”

Origin of humph

1
First recorded in 1675–85
  • Also umph [uhm, uhmf; spelling pronunciation uhmf] /əm, əmf; spelling pronunciation ʌmf/ .

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use humph in a sentence

  • So, sir, Slingsby roused me by a kick in the ribs, saying —umph!

    Frank Fairlegh | Frank E. Smedley
  • After they have finished drinking, they close their mouths with a peculiar umph, at the same instant exclaiming Ave Maria!

  • "Umph—he will make a warrior," replied the other, his features relaxing into something approaching kindliness.

    John Ermine of the Yellowstone | Frederic Remington
  • Umph, growled Radcliffe, then he will be able to sell them for all the more.

    The Funny Side of Physic | A. D. Crabtre
  • Who was it helt up dat man's han's when dey sent bayonets an' buttons to enfo'ce his word—umph?

British Dictionary definitions for humph

humph

/ (spelling pron hʌmf) /


interjection
  1. an exclamation of annoyance, dissatisfaction, scepticism, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012