mum

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Mother.

   • From the Marvel Mixmaster to the Miracle Microwave, every time a new-fangled gadget has lobbed into the Aussie kitchen, Aussie mums have changed their cooking styles accordingly.
   • 'Ooh Mum, Auntie don′t allow smokin’ - Pat′s eyes were round with awe as Mum struck a match.
   • Her mum says that she is deaf and only partially sighted, so I need to go and stand in front of her, so she can see the gift.
2. 2

   A chrysanthemum.

   • I don't know whether that's true or whether New Yorkers are being enjoined from watering the mums in their window boxes or whatever, but I do know that there hasn't been one rain-delay in the whole tournament so far […].
3. 3

   A decoration traditionally made of chrysanthemums and ribbons, worn by girls at high…

   A decoration traditionally made of chrysanthemums and ribbons, worn by girls at high school homecoming celebrations, marked with indicators such as the wearer's name, school, the year, and so on.

4. ›+ 9 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Silent.

      • The citizens are mum, and speak not a word.
      • [Vladimir Putin] has serious climate problems. And he has been mum on his willingness to do anything.
   2. 5

      Secret.

      • “Come here, friend,” sternly from the doctor. “Now I give you the way inside if you’ll promise to keep it mum.”
   3. 6

      stop speaking!, stop talking!, hush!

      • Mum, then, and no more.
      • Ahab has that that’s bloody on his mind. But, mum; he comes this way.
   4. 7

      To act in a pantomime or dumb show.

   5. 8

      To silence.

      • "Well, Sal, you mum your dubber pretty generally, but when you do slacken your glib you may as well do it civilly."
   6. 9

      Silence.

      • Entrust it under solemn Vows / Of Mum and Silence,[…]
   7. 10

      A type of strong beer, originally made in Brunswick, Germany.

      • The clamorous crowd is hushed with mugs of mum.
   8. 11

      Alternative spelling of ma'am.

      • [H]e axed if wer stock o' coals was nearly done. I telled him it was, an' we was ill set to get more—but you know mum I didn't think o' him helping us—but howsever, he sent us a sack o' coals next day; […]
      • "A telegruff message, mum, for Mr. William," said the maid, looking at her mistress with eyes opened wide, as she handed the important bit of paper to her master.
   9. 12

      One’s mother.

      • I wish Mum and Dad didn't argue so much.

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