mom

The word “mom” means mother (chiefly North American usage).

“Mom” is pronounced mom (/mɑm/ in IPA).

Here is “mom” used in a sentence: “My mom picks me up from school every day.”

“Mom” is a noun.

“Mom” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Mom” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: mother (chiefly North American usage).

They mean exactly the same thing — your mother — but the spelling reflects where you are. "Mom" is the standard American and Canadian form, while "mum" is the usual spelling in Britain, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Both are informal, affectionate words, and neither is more correct than the other.

Both refer to the same person, but the tone differs. "Mother" is the formal, neutral term you would use in writing or serious conversation, while "mom" is warm, casual, and used mainly when speaking to or about her affectionately. You might write "my mother" on a form but say "my mom" to friends.

"Mom" is informal and affectionate. It suits everyday speech, texts, and conversations with family and friends. In formal writing, official documents, or respectful contexts, the neutral word "mother" is more appropriate. There is nothing wrong with "mom" — it simply belongs to relaxed, familiar situations rather than official ones.