noun
mumps
muhmps
Mumps (noun) means a contagious viral illness that causes painful swelling of the glands in the face and neck. Example: “He caught mumps as a child, before the vaccine was widespread.”
noun
1
A contagious viral illness that causes painful swelling of the glands in the face and neck.
"At issue is the so-called MMR vaccine, which immunizes children against measles, mumps and rubella, three potentially deadly diseases that were once common and have been mostly wiped out."
— Sarah Lyall, Britain Tries to Quell Fear Over Vaccine for Children (2002)
"He caught mumps as a child, before the vaccine was widespread."
"Mumps can cause fever and swollen cheeks."
How to use mumps
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA childhood viral infection that swells the glands near the jaw.
Common mistake
Treated as singular even though it ends in "-s": "mumps is a viral illness," not "mumps are."
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Etymology
From "mump" (to grimace), likely referring to the swollen, pained facial expression the illness causes.
Synonyms
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epidemic parotitis
Rhymes for mumps
See all rhymes for mumps →Frequently asked questions
What does “mumps” mean?
The word “mumps” means a contagious viral illness that causes painful swelling of the glands in the face and neck. In plain terms, a childhood viral infection that swells the glands near the jaw.
How do you pronounce “mumps”?
“Mumps” is pronounced muhmps (/mʌmps/ in IPA).
How do you use “mumps” in a sentence?
Here is “mumps” used in a sentence: “He caught mumps as a child, before the vaccine was widespread.”
What part of speech is “mumps”?
“Mumps” is a noun.
