mom
mom
Mom (noun) means Mother (chiefly North American usage). Example: “My mom picks me up from school every day.”
noun
1
Mother (chiefly North American usage).
"My mom picks me up from school every day."
"She called her mom to share the good news."
"His mom works at the hospital and often finishes late in the evening."
2
An affectionate or casual term used to address one's wife or a mother figure.
""Thanks, mom," he said, hugging her."
""Mom, can you help me find my other shoe?" the boy called."
""Happy birthday, mom," she said, handing over a small bunch of flowers."
How to use mom
Learner’s notes
UK vs US
American and Canadian English prefer "mom"; British English typically uses "mum" for the same word.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
stay-at-home mom
soccer mom
mom and dad
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Word forms
- Plural
- moms
- Third person singular
- moms
- Past tense
- mommed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
My _____ picks me up from school every day.
Etymology
A shortened, informal form of "momma," itself derived from baby-talk repetition of the "ma" sound found across many languages.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “mom” mean?
The word “mom” means mother (chiefly North American usage).
How do you pronounce “mom”?
“Mom” is pronounced mom (/mɑm/ in IPA).
How do you use “mom” in a sentence?
Here is “mom” used in a sentence: “My mom picks me up from school every day.”
What part of speech is “mom”?
“Mom” is a noun.
Is “mom” a common word?
“Mom” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “mom” have?
“Mom” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: mother (chiefly North American usage).
What is the difference between mom and mum?
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.
What is the difference between mom and mother?
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.
Is mom formal or informal?
"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.
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