gummy

American  

[guhm-ee] / ˈgʌm i /

adjective

gummier, gummiest

1. of, resembling, or of the consistency of gum; viscid; mucilaginous.

2. covered with or clogged by gum or sticky matter.

3. exuding gum.

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gummy ¹ British  

/ ˈɡʌmɪ /

adjective

1. sticky or tacky

2. consisting of, coated with, or clogged by gum or a similar substance

3. producing gum

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gummy ² British  

/ ˈɡʌmɪ /

adjective

1. toothless; not showing one's teeth

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noun

1. a small crustacean-eating shark, Mustelus antarcticus, with bony ridges resembling gums in its mouth

2. an old ewe that has lost its incisor teeth

Other Word Forms

• gummily
  adverb
• gumminess
  noun

Etymology

Origin of gummy

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at gum ¹, -y ¹

Explanation

Something that's gummy is soft and very sticky. Think of gummy bears, the candy, and you'll get the idea. Nothing is more gummy than actual gum, especially when it's been chewed and dropped on the sidewalk and then stepped on. Glue is gummy too, and once you've chewed them a little bit, so are Gummy Bears candy. Gummy comes from the noun gum, with its Greek root word, kommi, "gum" or "resin."

Example Sentences

Speaking of gummies, another must-try is TJ’s Fruity Gummy Candies, which include not one but five unique flavors: pineapple, mango, grapefruit, watermelon and blueberry.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2025

Some flavours, such as Gummy Bear, are named after sweets, which have been criticised as likely to appeal to children.

From BBC • Aug. 25, 2023

She may even have with her a package of Nerds Gummy Clusters, her candy of choice for an energy boost in between the seven events spread over two days of competition.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2023

Don’t forget dessert: Gummy bears and chocolate are stellar, but be mindful of the weather so your snacks don’t melt.

From Washington Post • Jul. 12, 2022

Orange Gummy Slices! not a slug despite its resemblance!

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez