rummy

[ ruhm-ee ]

/ ˈrʌm i /

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noun

any of various card games for two, three, or four players, each usually being dealt seven, nine, or ten cards, in which the object is to match cards into sets and sequences.

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Also called rum.

Origin of rummy

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; perhaps special use of rummy³

Words nearby rummy

Ruml, rummage, rummage out, rummage sale, rummer, rummy, rumor, rumormonger, rumour, rump, Rumpelstiltskin

Other definitions for rummy (2 of 3)

rummy²

[ ruhm-ee ]

/ ˈrʌm i /

noun, plural rum·mies.

Slang: Disparaging and Offensive. a habitual drinker of alcohol who is frequently intoxicated.

adjective

of or like rum.

Origin of rummy

First recorded in 1840–45; rum¹ + -y¹

Other definitions for rummy (3 of 3)

rummy³

[ ruhm-ee ]

/ ˈrʌm i /

adjective, rum·mi·er, rum·mi·est.Chiefly British Slang.

odd; peculiar.

Origin of rummy

First recorded in 1820–30; rum² + -y¹

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

How to use rummy in a sentence

The “rooty toot toot” is simply the noise the horns make, while “rummy tum tum” is the drums.
The Most Confusing Christmas Music Lyrics Explained (VIDEO)|Kevin Fallon|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Gin rummy was his big game and he fraternized with high rollers like Minnesota Fats and Dean Chance.
Those Kansas City Blues: A Family History|Katie Baker|October 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Does making these comments take more or less gall than Rummy with that tweet this morning?
Because It'll Be Different This Time|Michael Tomasky|March 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It's a diversion, much like pinochle or gin rummy were in the days when there were only three TV channels.
Newt Gingrich Isn’t Doomed, Even After a Failed Presidential Campaign|Rich Galen|May 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST

The American Conservative Union will be giving Rummy the “Defender of the Constitution” Award.
The Right Invades Washington|Samuel P. Jacobs, Shushannah Walshe|February 8, 2011|DAILY BEAST
I spose thats their trench acrost there, he said doubtfully, but its a rummy lookin mix up.
Grapes of wrath|Boyd Cable
I've been to some rummy places in my time; and a waiter ain't the blind owl as he's supposed to be.
The Observations of Henry|Jerome K. Jerome
As soon as the door closed behind her, Max Rostoff turned and snarled, "Where have you been, you rummy?"
Medal of Honor|Dallas McCord Reynolds
Rostoff snatched up the fallen gun, snarling, "I'm calling your bluff, you gutless rummy."
Medal of Honor|Dallas McCord Reynolds
It was bound to be a lame dog, anyhow—and it might as well've been Rummy as anybody.
The Black Opal|Katharine Susannah Prichard

British Dictionary definitions for rummy (1 of 3)

rummy¹

rum

/ (ˈrʌmɪ) /

noun

a card game based on collecting sets and sequences

Word Origin for rummy

C20: perhaps from rum ²

British Dictionary definitions for rummy (2 of 3)

rummy²

/ (ˈrʌmɪ) /

adjective

another word for rum 2

British Dictionary definitions for rummy (3 of 3)

rummy³

/ (ˈrʌmɪ) /

noun plural -mies

US and Canadian a slang word for drunkard

adjective

of or like rum in taste or smell

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

rummy

Origin of rummy

Words nearby rummy

Other definitions for rummy (2 of 3)

Origin of rummy

Other definitions for rummy (3 of 3)

Origin of rummy

Words related to rummy

How to use rummy in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for rummy (1 of 3)

rum

Word Origin for rummy

British Dictionary definitions for rummy (2 of 3)

British Dictionary definitions for rummy (3 of 3)