mum

mum · noun/adjective

imported

Definitions

noun/adjective

  1. 1.

    One's mother (British English, informal).

  2. 2.

    Silent; not speaking or telling.

  3. 3.

    A chrysanthemum flower (North American, informal).

Forms

plural: mums

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    mum's the word — keep it secret; don't tell anyone
  • •
    keep mum — to stay silent; not reveal information
  • •
    mum and dad — parents (British)
  • •
    yummy mummy — an attractive mother (British slang)

Related words

Antonyms: dad, father, talkative
See also: chrysanthemum, mama, mom, mother, silent
Synonyms: mama, mom, mother, silent

Etymology

As a word for mother: from reduplication of m, one of the earliest sounds babies make, similar to "mama." Common across many languages as an informal term for mother. As an adjective meaning silent: from Middle English mum, imitative of the sound made with closed lips. Related to "mumble." As a flower: shortened form of chrysanthemum.