mum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
High (UK), Moderate to Low (US)Informal, colloquial, familiar
Quick answer
What does “mum” mean?
Informal term for mother (chiefly UK). A command to stop talking or be silent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Informal term for mother (chiefly UK). A command to stop talking or be silent.
Informal noun referring to one's mother. As an adjective or verb, it can mean 'silent' or 'to act in a silent, often secretive manner.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Mum' is the dominant informal term for 'mother' in UK English. In US English, 'mom' is the equivalent. The 'silence' sense of 'mum' is slightly more recognized in US English due to the phrase 'mum's the word'.
Connotations
UK: Affectionate, informal, everyday. US: Primarily recognized as British, or in the fixed phrase about silence.
Frequency
Extremely high-frequency in the UK. In the US, the term is rarely used for 'mother' except in families with British ties or media exposure.
Grammar
How to Use “mum” in a Sentence
Call [sb] mumBe mum to [sb]Keep mum (about sth)Mum's the wordVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mum” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He decided to mum about the surprise party.
- The conspirators were told to mum.
American English
- She kept mum during the interrogation.
- Mum's the word on this, okay?
adverb
British English
- (Rare, archaic) They sat mum, listening.
adjective
British English
- The room fell mum as the headteacher entered.
- He remained mum on the subject.
American English
- The witness stayed mum.
- Keep it mum until the deal is signed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. In UK contexts, may appear informally in phrases like 'I need to call my mum.'
Academic
Not used in formal academic writing; 'mother' is standard.
Everyday
Very high frequency in the UK in speech and informal writing.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mum”
- US speakers using 'mum' for 'mom' may sound affected or British. UK speakers over-correcting to 'mom' under US influence.
- Misspelling as 'mam' (regional UK) when 'mum' is intended for standard UK English.
- Confusing the noun (mother) and adjective (silent) senses.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal. In formal contexts, 'mother' should be used.
'Mum' is standard in British, Australian, and some other Commonwealth Englishes. 'Mom' is standard in American English.
Yes, as an adjective or verb, it can mean 'silent,' as in 'keep mum' or 'mum's the word.' This sense is separate from the 'mother' meaning.
No. In essays, reports, or official documents, the word 'mother' is the appropriate choice.
Informal term for mother (chiefly UK). A command to stop talking or be silent.
Mum: in British English it is pronounced /mʌm/, and in American English it is pronounced /mʌm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mum's the word”
- “keep mum”
- “mother's ruin (archaic, for gin, unrelated but phonetically similar)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a British child with their mouth full of a 'yum' cake, saying 'Mum!' instead of 'yum' because their mum baked it.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MOTHER IS THE HEART OF THE HOME / SILENCE IS SECRECY (for the verb sense).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'mum' the most common informal term for 'mother'?