mum
1 Americanadjective
interjection
idioms
noun
noun
noun
noun
adjective
noun
noun
verb
noun
Usage
What does mum mean? Mum is an adjective that means keeping quiet. It can also be used by itself to mean Be quiet!This sense of mum is especially used in the expressions keep mum and mum’s the word. In the U. K. and other places, mum is used as a word for mom or madam. It’s also commonly used as a short way of saying chrysanthemum, a type of flower. Example: Mum’s keeping mum—I can’t get a word out of her!
Etymology
Origin of mum1
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English momme; imitative
Origin of mum2
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English mommen, verb use of mum 1; compare Middle Dutch mommen ”to act the mummer's part”
Origin of mum3
First recorded in 1890–95; shortened form
Origin of mum4
First recorded in 1815–25; nursery word; see mom
Origin of mum5
First recorded in 1630–40; from German Mumme, said to have been named after Christian Mumme, the brewer who made it
Origin of mum6
Variant of ma'am
Explanation
Someone who's mum has nothing to say, especially on a particular subject. If you agree to keep someone's secret, you could tell them, "Mum's the word!" A shy child who's new at school might stay mum all day, and even your most talkative friend might remain mum on controversial topics like religion and politics. In many parts of the world, mum is also a nickname for your mother — and it's also a nickname for the flower called a chrysanthemum. The "quiet" meaning of mum comes from Old English, inspired by the "mmm" sound you make when your lips are closed.
Vocabulary lists containing mum
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The prime minister said the tragedy was something his mum and dad told him about when he was growing up, adding that he was there to "recognise the community" and what they had been through.
From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026
First-time mum Amy described motherhood as "absolutely wonderful" but admitted it could be stressful and overwhelming at times.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
While Boyega and Heckard have kept mum about their relationship, Heckard appears to have confirmed their marriage: She has changed her name on her Instagram account to Tae Boyega.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
Her mum Gemma recalls the initial symptoms being easy to overlook.
From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026
Conor’s grandma had driven him back to her house when his mum had fallen asleep after not eating her dinner.
From "A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness
Along with the buzz on Twitter, Instagram mummed with the news of Herbert’s new deal.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2023
From the ancient Irish practice of mumming to walking the red carpet, the Armagh Rhymers were central to a meeting of myth and couture for McQueen's Paris Fashion Week show.
From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2025
The local theatre and performance group have been committed to carrying the rural custom of "mumming" or "rhyming" into the 21st century, and in doing so caught the attention of McQueen's creative director, Seán McGirr.
From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2025
As Farmer's Almanac notes, there was also a custom to literally put on a little show at a strangers doorstep, which was called "mumming."
From Salon ● Oct. 31, 2022
His accent is good, his mumming of characteristic meticulousness.
From Time Magazine Archive
Robin Hays!" she said, "I would advise you never to sing when you go mumming; you did well enough till then; but, though the nightingale hath many notes, the voice is aye the same.
From The Buccaneer A Tale by Mrs. S. C. Hall
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
