chum
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for chum, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Informal: a close friend.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Recorded from the late 17th century; origin uncertain, possibly a shortening of chamber-mate or related to comrade.
Full origin of chum →Frequently asked questions
What does “chum” mean?
The word “chum” means informal: a close friend. In plain terms, a friend, or (unrelated sense) bait made of fish scraps thrown in the water.
How do you pronounce “chum”?
“Chum” is pronounced chuhm (/t͡ʃʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “chum” in a sentence?
Here is “chum” used in a sentence: “He's been my chum since primary school.”
What part of speech is “chum”?
Depending on how it is used, “chum” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “chum” come from?
The word “chum” dates back to around 1600. Recorded from the late 17th century; origin uncertain, possibly a shortening of chamber-mate or related to comrade.
Is “chum” a common word?
“Chum” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “chum” have?
“Chum” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: informal: a close friend.