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

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Even one of the White House’s top economists, Stephan Miran, went on CNBC shortly after the report came out with a ho-hum analysis. — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025 The jalapeno pesto it’s bathed in transports the dish from ho-hum to oh, yum! — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 17 July 2025
Interjection
Flat screens—ho hum, most CRTs long ago were relegated to the basement or the recycling center. — IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2011 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

ho hum
ho-hum
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 Aug. 2025.

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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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