Meaning
A humming noise from something moving very fast.
Etymology
Origin: Unknown
Uncertain. The verb was first attested c. 1892, as a noun in 1918 and as an interjection in 1942. Apparently related to Scots soom (“to buzz, hum”), dialectal English and Scots soom, swoom, sweem (“to spin or twirl at high speed”). Compare also dialectal English sweem (“to swoon, become dizzy or faint”).
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 6 recorded puzzles: