ho-hum

1 of 2

adjective

ˈhō-ˈhəm 

1

: routine, dull

a ho-hum existence

2

: bored, indifferent

a ho-hum reaction

ho hum

2 of 2

interjection

ˈhō-ˈhəm 

—used to express weariness, boredom, or disdain

Synonyms of ho-hum

Adjective

• boring
• slow
• tiring
• dull
• stupid
• weary
• old
• dusty
• wearying

Examples of ho-hum in a Sentence

Adjective

the characterizations are good, but the plot is just ho-hum

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Dodgers won game one in mostly ho-hum fashion, with Tarik Skubal going six strong innings and Kyle Tucker, Teoscar Hernandez, and Max Muncy hitting home runs to win 5-3. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Final Thoughts Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 With its plastic chassis, dull screen, and ho-hum performance, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 doesn't make the best first impression. — Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2026

Interjection

The Masters, season’s first of four golf majors, tees off Thursday at Augusta anyway with Scottie Scheffler (ho hum) the betting favorite per DraftKings followed by Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. — Greg Cote april 5, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

imitative

First Known Use

Adjective

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Interjection

1924, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ho hum

interjection

ˈhō-ˈhəm

—used to express weariness, boredom, or disdain

Etymology

Interjection

imitative