noun
gum
guhm
noun
1
The firm tissue in the mouth that surrounds the base of the teeth.
"The dentist checked her gums for signs of inflammation."
2
Chewing gum, a soft, flavored substance chewed for pleasure but not swallowed.
"He blew a bubble with his gum."
3
A sticky substance produced by certain plants and trees, used in adhesives and food products.
"Gum arabic comes from the sap of acacia trees."
verb
1
To stick or seal something using an adhesive.
"She gummed the envelope shut."
How to Use Gum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe flesh holding your teeth in place, or a stretchy substance you chew, or a sticky plant resin.
Common pairings
chew gum
bubble gum
gum disease
gum up the works
Word Forms
gummed past tense, gummed past tense, gums plural, gums plural, Gums plural, gums singular, gums singular
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Etymology
From Old English gōma ("palate"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "palate," ultimately linked to a word meaning "to gape or yawn."