tom

¹ American  

[tom] / tɒm /

noun

1. the male of various animals, as the turkey.

2. a tomcat.

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Tom ² American  

[tom] / tɒm /

noun

1. Uncle Tom.

2. a male given name, form of Thomas.

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verb (used without object)

Tommed, Tomming

1. (often lowercase) to act like an Uncle Tom.

ToM ³ American  

Or TOM

abbreviation

1. theory of mind.

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tom ¹ British  

/ tɒm /

noun

1. 1. the male of various animals, esp the cat

   2. ( as modifier )

      a tom turkey

   3. ( in combination )

      a tomcat

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tom ² British  

/ tɒm /

noun

1. a temporary supporting post

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Tom Idioms  

1. see every tom, dick, and harry; peeping tom.

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Etymology

Origin of tom

First recorded in 1755–65; generic use of the male given name Tom

Example Sentences

You know John Bonham’s tom fills when you hear them, just as you can immediately recognize the sound of Ringo Starr’s hi-hats.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

It also shines in fish stews and soups of all kinds, from cacciucco to tom kha gai to cioppino or caldeirada.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2025

The sheer deliciousness of the red-orange-oil-slicked tom yum version — with huge wild-caught Gulf shrimp and just-right spice — makes sense now, knowing the Lertsirisins’ story.

From Seattle Times • May 9, 2024

Tiravanija’s early relational pieces — offering curry and tom ka soup, sodas and beers, grass mats and pillows for weary visitors — appeared as museums increasingly promoted the politics of multiculturalism.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2023

“Filthy things, tom and stained and stinking of blood and urine. And thin. You must be cold. We’ll put you in lambswool, soft and warm. Perhaps a fur-lined cloak. Would you like that?”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• kitten
• kitty