mamma

[ mah-muh, muh-mah ]

/ ˈmɑ mə, məˈmɑ /

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noun

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Words nearby mamma

Mamet, mamey, Mamie, mamilla, mamillate, mamma, mammal, mammalian, mammalogy, mammals, mammaplasty

Other definitions for mamma (2 of 2)

mamma²

[ mam-uh ]

/ ˈmæm ə /

noun, plural mam·mae

[mam-ee] /ˈmæm i/ for 1; mam·ma for 2.

Anatomy, Zoology. a structure, characteristic of mammals, that comprises one or more mammary glands with an associated nipple or teat, usually rudimentary unless developed and activated for the secretion of milk in the female after the birth of young.

Meteorology.(used with a plural verb) hanging, breastlike protuberances on the under surface of a cloud.

Origin of mamma

before 1050; Middle English <Latin: breast, teat (whence Old English mamme teat). See mamma¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use mamma in a sentence

Take, for instance, Yiddish Mamma, a young Parisian brand that peddles its wares with love and humour.
Paris's Nouveau Yiddish Culture|Laurent David Samama|September 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
His other films include Mrs. Doubtfire, Mamma Mia, and The Thomas Crown Affair.
Pierce Brosnan’s Life After Bond: From Action Hero to Losing His Daughter to Cancer|Tim Teeman|July 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When Retsky showed the pathology report to William Hrushesky, his treating oncologist, the doctor exclaimed, “Mamma mia.”
How Big Pharma Holds Back in the War on Cancer|ProPublica|April 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Manolakos, best known for playing Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia!
7 Awesome ‘Creep’ Covers: Carrie Manolakos, Scala & Kolacny, Ingrid Michaelson, & More (Video)|The Daily Beast Video|April 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST

In May 2010, an embarrassing audition tape surfaced online that Klein had shot years earlier for Mamma Mia!
Chris Klein Opens Up About His Battle With Alcohol, Katie Holmes, and ‘American Reunion’|Marlow Stern|April 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
They were standing over the cots in the nursery late at night, and I think that Mamma was crying softly.
Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling
The day before the steamer reached Southampton, Mamma asked her if she would not like to see the ayah again.
Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling
It was then that he heard for the first time Mamma's passionate appeal to him never to let Judy forget Mamma.
Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling
"The worst of it is that the children will grow up away from me," thought Mamma; but she did not say it aloud.
Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling
But Mamma and Papa and Judy had quitted the cab, and all the luggage was being taken into the house.
Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling

British Dictionary definitions for mamma (1 of 2)

mamma¹

noun mainly US

Also: momma (ˈmɑːmə, məˈmɑː) another word for mother 1

(ˈmɑːmə) informal a buxom and voluptuous woman

Word Origin for mamma

C16: reduplication of childish syllable ma; compare Welsh mam, French maman, Russian mama

British Dictionary definitions for mamma (2 of 2)

mamma²

/ (ˈmæmə) /

noun plural -mae (-miː)

the milk-secreting organ of female mammals: the breast in women, the udder in cows, sheep, etc

(functioning as plural) breast-shaped protuberances, esp from the base of cumulonimbus clouds

Word Origin for mamma

C17: from Latin: breast

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012