mummy

mum-my · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A body of a human or animal that has been preserved, especially by the ancient Egyptian method of embalming.

  2. 2.

    (British, informal) One's mother; used especially by children.

Forms

plural: mummies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    mummy's boy — A boy or man who is excessively attached to his mother

Related words

See also: embalm, mommy, mummies, tomb
Synonyms: mommy, mother, preserved body

Etymology

For the preserved body sense: from Medieval Latin mumia, from Arabic mumiya ("embalmed body"), from mum ("wax"), referring to the substances used in embalming. For the mother sense: a child's alteration of mother or mama.