Meaning & Definition of word "Hump"

Hump

/hʌmp/

noun:

  • 1. A rounded protuberance or a raised area on a surface.
    • Example: The camel has a large hump on its back that stores fat.
  • 2. An elevated piece of land; a hill or mound.
    • Example: We climbed to the top of the hump for a better view of the valley.
  • 3. A difficult or challenging situation that one must overcome.
    • Example: After getting past the initial hump, the project proceeded smoothly.

verb:

  • 1. To thrust or push something up or forward, often in a laborious way.
    • Example: They had to hump the heavy loads up the hill.
  • 2. To have sexual intercourse; often used in a slang context.
    • Example: The young couple was caught humping in the back seat of the car.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English 'hamppa'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

hump day:

Wednesday, regarded as the midpoint of the workweek.

hump it:

To carry or move something heavy.

get over the hump:

To overcome a difficult point or obstacle.

Related Words

humped:

Having a hump.

humpless:

Without a hump.

Slang Meanings of hump

Meaning: To have sexual intercourse.

Example Sentence: They were just humping in the other room.

Meaning: To work hard at something.

Example Sentence: I need to hump my way through this project to finish on time.