Fannie Mae

American  

Or Fanny Mae

noun

1. Federal National Mortgage Association.

2. any of the publicly traded securities collateralized by a pool of mortgages backed by the Federal National Mortgage Association.

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Fannie Mae British  

/ ˈfænɪ meɪ /

noun

1. (in the US)an informal name for the Federal National Mortgage Association, a private company that buys and sells mortgage debt

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Etymology

Origin of Fannie Mae

Altered from FNMA, the association's initials

Compare meaning

How does fannie-mae compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Ginnie Mae vs. Fannie Mae

Example Sentences

Immediately on confirmation he was handed a second giant portfolio—chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

The appointment of Pulte to a dual role makes a potential stock offering for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac much less likely.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

In an announcement on his social media platform on Tuesday, Trump praised Pulte for overseeing government-controlled mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shares fell following the announcement.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

When we got home, we were quiet through supper, and when bedtime came, Aunt Fannie Mae kissed me and said, “Don’t you ever forget how much Aunt Fannie loves you, Betty.”

From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson