glom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-LowInformal, slang. Primarily used in speech and informal writing, not in formal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “glom” mean?
To grab, seize, or take something, especially in a greedy or sudden manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To grab, seize, or take something, especially in a greedy or sudden manner.
To become attached or stuck to something (often used with 'onto'), or to understand/comprehend an idea.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More widely recognized and used in American English. In British English, it is considered a chiefly American colloquialism and is less frequent.
Connotations
In both, it has a slightly playful, informal tone. In American usage, it can imply a clever or sneaky acquisition.
Frequency
Low frequency in UK. More established in US informal vocabulary, though still not a high-frequency word.
Grammar
How to Use “glom” in a Sentence
Someone gloms (onto) somethingSomething gloms (onto) something elseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He always gloms the best biscuits before anyone else gets a look-in.
- The marketing campaign glommed onto the latest viral trend.
American English
- She glommed ahold of the last concert ticket.
- It took me a while to glom onto what he was暗示ing.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; not used.)
American English
- (Not standard; not used.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard; not used.)
American English
- (Not standard; not used.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in very informal discussions about acquiring assets or clients ('They tried to glom onto our biggest client').
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
The primary domain. Used conversationally for grabbing objects or latching onto ideas ('The kid glommed onto my leg').
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glom”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'gloom'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'glom on' instead of 'glom onto'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is an informal but established word in English, particularly American English, with origins in early 20th century slang.
'Glom' is more informal and often implies a greedy, opportunistic, or sudden seizure. 'Grab' is more neutral and widely usable.
Yes, but only in the phrasal verb 'glom onto', meaning to finally comprehend or latch onto an idea. It's not a direct synonym for 'understand'.
Typically not. You 'glom onto something'. You do not usually 'glom something onto'.
To grab, seize, or take something, especially in a greedy or sudden manner.
Glom is usually informal, slang. primarily used in speech and informal writing, not in formal contexts. in register.
Glom: in British English it is pronounced /ɡlɒm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡlɑːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Glom onto”
- “Glom ahold of (US variant)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GLOWing gLOMy monster that GRABS (GLOM) everything in sight.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS GRASPING (e.g., 'I finally glommed onto the concept'). POSSESSION IS PHYSICAL SEIZURE.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'glom' used CORRECTLY?