humming-top

A child spins a humming-top on the wooden floor.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of spinning top that produces a humming sound as it rotates.

Usage Examples

• (A toy top that hums when spinning.)
• (A spinning top that makes a humming noise.)

Advanced Usage

• "to spin like a humming-top": to rotate rapidly, often producing a sound akin to a humming noise.
  • The wheel spun like a humming-top after the car hit the gravel. (The wheel rotated very fast, creating a humming sound.)

Variants and Related Words

• Top (n): a toy that spins on a pointed base.
  • He gave the top a twist and it spun for minutes. (A simple spinning toy.)
• Hum (v): to make a low, continuous sound.
  • The engine hummed quietly. (To produce a low buzzing noise.)

Synonyms

• Spinning top: a general term for a top that rotates.
• Buzzing top: a top that emits a buzzing sound, similar to a humming-top.

Related Idioms

• • The tennis player added top spin to the ball. (A rotational motion applied to a ball.)

Notes

• The humming-top is a specific variant of the classic spinning top, often designed with ridges or holes that create sound through air resistance as it spins. It is a traditional toy, less common in modern times but still known in some cultures.