as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
heard the burr of a distant engine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of burr
Ryan Knighton, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025
The fabric sheds burrs, dries quickly and wicks away moisture.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
This depends on your specific manual coffee grinder, but if your grinder uses ceramic burrs, it’s meant for coffee beans only.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
But the real star here is the stone in your shoe, the burr under your saddle.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for burr
Noun
There were so many sensations with me now, like burrs stuck to the hide of a passing animal.
—Ryan Knighton, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025
The fabric sheds burrs, dries quickly and wicks away moisture.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
This depends on your specific manual coffee grinder, but if your grinder uses ceramic burrs, it’s meant for coffee beans only.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
But the real star here is the stone in your shoe, the burr under your saddle.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for burr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burr
Noun
-
The whir of an ambulance rose and dissipated, leaving behind the hum of rolling traffic.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Behind her, the kettle was beginning to hum.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Set the scene This is the city's most enviable address, where Orchard Road's buzzing energy meets the serenity of the Singapore Botanical Gardens.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Inside the Trivium Corporate Center manufacturing site in Catawba County, the air buzzed with the hum and loud drill sounds of production.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Honey is ready to bring love, purrs and playful cuddles to her forever home.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
-
For many of us, our truest Valentine has four legs, a wagging tail, a gentle purr or a happy chirp.—
Cathy M. Rosenthal,
San Antonio Express-News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This one came after Delanie Sheehan penetrated the defense and zipped an effective pass to Ryan, who put the shot on net, but MacIver deflected it out of bounds.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
-
David Pastrnak gained the zone and slipped a pass over to Zacha, who zipped a wrist shot through Luukkonen’s pads for the GWG, his 24th goal of the season.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Everything is quiet apart from the rustle of leaves and the gentle murmur of voices from the bar.—
Irenie Forshaw,
TheWeek,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Snowy and great egrets swoop across the water, and a gentle breeze rustles the golden-hued marsh grass this region is said to be named for.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Behind every trauma and calamity, whether personal or global, whispers of Jewish machination can be heard by those already listening for them.—
Mike Rothschild,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In this extraordinary moment, we're reminded that wisdom often comes in the smallest whispers, and true courage lies in following where we're led with childlike trust.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burr. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
