mum
13 synonyms and 1 antonym for mum, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Mother — the common British and Irish term.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Mother — the common British and Irish term.
“My mum picks me up from school on Fridays.”
mom
mother
mummy
mama
ma
mommy
momma
mamma
mammy
florist's chrysanthemum
florists' chrysanthemum
mumma
Opposites
2. adj
Saying nothing; silent, especially about a secret.
“Keep mum about the surprise party.”
How to use mum
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
keep mum
stay mum
mum's the word
Etymology
Probably an abbreviation of "mummy," related to "mama" and "mom."
Full origin of mum →Frequently asked questions
What does “mum” mean?
The word “mum” means mother — the common British and Irish term. In plain terms, the British word for mother, or an adjective meaning silent/keeping quiet.
How do you pronounce “mum”?
“Mum” is pronounced muhm (/mʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “mum” in a sentence?
Here is “mum” used in a sentence: “My mum picks me up from school on Fridays.”
What part of speech is “mum”?
Depending on how it is used, “mum” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “mum” a common word?
“Mum” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “mum” have?
“Mum” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: mother — the common British and Irish term.
What is the difference between mum and mom?
Mum and mom mean exactly the same thing: an informal, affectionate word for one's mother. The difference is regional spelling and pronunciation. Mum is standard in British and Irish English, while mom is the usual American form. Australians and New Zealanders also say mum, following the British pattern rather than the American one.
Is mum formal or informal?
Mum is informal and warm, the everyday word children and adults use for their mother in speech and casual writing. In formal contexts, such as official documents or respectful third-person reference, mother is the standard choice. You would say 'my mum' to friends but 'my mother' in a formal letter or interview.
Does mum have another meaning?
Yes. Besides meaning mother, mum is also an adjective meaning silent, as in the phrase 'keep mum,' which means to stay quiet about something. Separately, mum is a common informal name for the chrysanthemum flower. Context makes clear which sense is intended, since the three uses rarely overlap.
