mummy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

In meaning (kinship), yes, but 'mummy' is the standard British child's term, while 'mommy' is the standard American equivalent. Pronunciation is similar.

In British English, adults may use it when speaking to their own mother, especially in certain social groups, or when referring to her in a familial context ('I'm visiting my mummy'). It can sound affectionate or childish depending on context. In American English, an adult using 'mummy' for mother would be unusual and perceived as very British.

A mummy retains soft tissue (skin, organs, etc.), either through artificial preservation (embalming) or natural conditions (extreme cold, dryness). A skeleton is only the bones, with all soft tissue decomposed.

It's a coincidence of etymology. 'Mummy' (corpse) comes from medieval Latin 'mumia', from Arabic 'mūmiyā' (embalmed body/bitumen). 'Mummy' (mother) is a child's reduplication from the mid-19th century, derived from 'mum', an informal shortening of 'mother'. They are homonyms with completely separate origins.

An informal, affectionate term for 'mother', predominantly used by children in British English.

Mummy is usually informal, child-like (for mother), neutral/specialist (for egyptian corpse) in register.

Mummy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌm.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌm.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.