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

A contagious viral illness that causes painful swelling of the glands in the face and neck.

"He caught mumps as a child, before the vaccine was widespread."

"Mumps can cause fever and swollen cheeks."

How to use mumps

Learner’s notes

In 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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He caught _____ as a child, before the vaccine was widespread.

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

AMPS jumps lumps vamps stumps trumps gramps cramps clumps

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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.