gum
9 synonyms for gum, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The firm tissue in the mouth that surrounds the base of the teeth.
Synonyms
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The firm tissue in the mouth that surrounds the base of the teeth.
“My gums bleed a little when I brush too hard.”
2. verb
To stick or seal something using an adhesive.
“The children gummed colourful paper onto the card for the display.”
How to use gum
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
chew gum
bubble gum
gum disease
gum up the works
Etymology
From Old English gōma ("palate"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "palate," ultimately linked to a word meaning "to gape or yawn."
Full origin of gum →Frequently asked questions
What does “gum” mean?
The word “gum” means the firm tissue in the mouth that surrounds the base of the teeth. In plain terms, the flesh holding your teeth in place, or a stretchy substance you chew, or a sticky plant resin.
How do you pronounce “gum”?
“Gum” is pronounced guhm (/ɡʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “gum” in a sentence?
Here is “gum” used in a sentence: “The dentist checked her gums for signs of inflammation.”
What part of speech is “gum”?
Depending on how it is used, “gum” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gum” come from?
The word “gum” comes from Old English. From Old English gōma ("palate"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "palate," ultimately linked to a word meaning "to gape or yawn.".
Is “gum” a common word?
“Gum” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “gum” have?
“Gum” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the firm tissue in the mouth that surrounds the base of the teeth.
What is the difference between gum and resin from plants?
Gum is a sticky plant substance that typically dissolves in water and is used in adhesives and food products. Resin is a different plant secretion that does not dissolve in water and is more often used in varnishes, though the two are easily confused because both are sticky tree exudates.
What is the difference between gum and gums when talking about the mouth?
Both refer to the firm tissue surrounding the base of the teeth. The singular 'gum' often names the tissue as a material or type, while the plural 'gums' is more common when referring to the tissue in your own mouth, as in 'healthy gums'.
Is 'gum' the same as 'chewing gum' and 'bubble gum'?
Chewing gum is the general soft, flavoured substance chewed for pleasure but not swallowed, and 'gum' is commonly used as its short form. Bubble gum is a specific type of chewing gum made to be blown into bubbles.
