noun
Common
ma
mah
Ma (noun) means an informal word for "mother". Example: “She called her ma every Sunday evening.”
noun
1
An informal word for "mother".
"She called her ma every Sunday evening."
"Ma always knew exactly what to say to calm us down."
"My ma makes the best stew in the whole street."
How to use ma
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual, affectionate word for one's mother.
When to use it
Informal and often regional or generational — more common in older or rural speech than "mum"/"mom" in some dialects.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- mas
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She called her _____ every Sunday evening.
Etymology
A near-universal baby sound across languages, tied to the same ancient root behind "mama" and "mother".
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “ma” mean?
The word “ma” means an informal word for "mother". In plain terms, a casual, affectionate word for one's mother.
How do you pronounce “ma”?
“Ma” is pronounced mah (/mɑː/ in IPA).
How do you use “ma” in a sentence?
Here is “ma” used in a sentence: “She called her ma every Sunday evening.”
What part of speech is “ma”?
“Ma” is a noun.
Is “ma” a common word?
“Ma” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between ma and mah?
Ma is a common, informal word for mother. Mah is unrelated: it is a rare word most often seen in word games, and in some dialects an informal, eye-dialect spelling of 'my'. If you mean a name for your mother, ma is the correct choice, as mah almost never carries that meaning.
Is ma formal or informal?
Ma is informal and affectionate. It belongs to casual, family, or regional speech rather than formal writing. In a letter, report, or official document you would write mother. Spoken aloud to a parent, ma feels warm and familiar, similar to mum or mom but often more old-fashioned or regional.
What is the difference between ma and mum or mom?
All three are informal words for mother. Mum is typical in British English, mom in American English, and ma is used in both but sounds more regional, rural, or old-fashioned. They are interchangeable in meaning; the choice mainly signals where a speaker is from or the tone they want.
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