mum
pronunciation
How to pronounce mum in British English:
UK [ mʌm]
How to pronounce mum in American English:
US [ mʌm]
-
- Noun:
- of China
- informal terms for a mother
- secrecy
-
- Adjective:
- failing to speak or communicate etc when expected to
Word Origin
- mum
- mum: see mummy, mumps
- mum (interj.)
- "be silent," 1560s, from Middle English mum, mom (late 14c.), inarticulate closed-mouth sound, indicative of unwillingness or inability to speak. As an adjective meaning "secret" from 1520s. Phrase mum's the word is first recorded 1704.
- mum (n.1)
- abbreviation of chrysanthemum, first attested 1915 in the jargon of gardeners.
- mum (n.2)
- pet word for "mother," 1823, short for mummy (see mamma). In British sociology, used from 1957 in reference to "the working class mother as an influence in the lives of her children." Also sometimes a vulgar corruption of madam.
Example
- 1. Staying mum could also lead to a missed opportunity for the hiring company .
- 2. Meanwhile , keeping mum about future products is a practice that samsung might consider imitating .
- 3. I 'm a sheep . I 'm your mum .
- 4. That of course is why china stays mum .
- 5. Did I mention they loved their mum ?