mum

UK: mʌm | US: mʌm

Definition

  1. n. (British informal) mother

  2. adj. silent; not speaking

Structure

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Etymology

The word "mum" as a term for "mother" originated in the late 19th century as a childish or affectionate shortening of "mummy." Its use as an adjective meaning "silent" derives from the Middle English "mum," an imitative sound representing closed lips (like "mmm"), later associated with secrecy or silence (e.g., "mum's the word").

Examples

  1. She phoned her mum to ask for advice.

  2. The kids shouted, "Mum, look at this!"

  3. He kept mum about the surprise party.

  4. "Mum's the word," she whispered.

  5. The suspect stayed mum during the interrogation.