mum

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.

“Mum” is pronounced muhm (/mʌm/ in IPA).

Here is “mum” used in a sentence: “My mum picks me up from school on Fridays.”

Depending on how it is used, “mum” can be a noun and an adjective.

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

“Mum” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: mother — the common British and Irish term.

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.

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.

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.