Mum — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective verb noun /ˈməm/

Meaning & Definition of Mum

Mum (adjective)

  1. silent

Mum (verb)

  1. to perform in a pantomime
  2. to go about merrymaking in disguise during festivals

Mum (noun)

  1. a strong ale or beer
  2. chrysanthemum

Mum (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. deliberately refraining from speech

    "kept mum about the surprise bridal shower"

    similar: mute, muted, silent, speechless, uncommunicative, wordless
    related: inarticulate, tongue-tied, nonvocal, voiceless, dumbstruck, sulking, sulky, sullen
    opposite: communicative, speaking, talking
    near: articulate, eloquent, fluent, voluble, well-spoken, gabby, garrulous, loquacious, talkative, talky, outspoken, unreserved, vocal, facile, glib, silver-tongued, smooth-tongued

Mum (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in beer, brew

    similar: ale, beer, brew, brewage, brewski (slang), home brew, malt liquor, microbrew, nappy (chiefly Scottish), cocktail, mixed drink, mead, sake, wine, belt, load, nip, peg (British), pop, shooter, shot, slug, snifter, snort, tot, whet, barley-bree (chiefly Scottish), brandy, gin, liqueur, mao-tai, mescal, schnapps, tequila, vodka, whiskey, aperitif, bracer, chaser, digestif, nightcap, Dutch courage, alcohol, aqua vitae, ardent spirits, booze, bottle, drink, firewater, grog, hooch (slang), inebriant, intoxicant, John Barleycorn, juice (slang), liquor, lush (slang), moonshine, potable, rum, sauce (slang), spirits, stimulant, strong drink, tipple
    opposite: nonintoxicant, mocktail, mix, mixer, pop, soda, soda pop, soft drink

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Mum

The most common words with a similar meaning to Mum:

Slang: brewski, hooch, juice, lush, sauce
Chiefly Scottish: nappy, barley-bree
British: peg
mute, muted, silent, speechless, uncommunicative, wordless, ale, beer, brew, brewage, home brew, malt liquor, microbrew, cocktail, mixed drink, mead, sake, wine, belt, load, nip, pop, shooter, shot, slug, snifter, snort, tot, whet, brandy, gin, liqueur, mao-tai, mescal, schnapps, tequila, vodka, whiskey, aperitif, bracer

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Mum

Words with the opposite meaning of Mum:

communicative, speaking, talking, nonintoxicant, mocktail, mix, mixer, pop, soda, soda pop, soft drink

Related Words for Mum

inarticulate, tongue-tied, nonvocal, voiceless, dumbstruck, sulking, sulky, sullen

Near Antonyms of Mum

articulate, eloquent, fluent, voluble, well-spoken, gabby, garrulous, loquacious, talkative, talky, outspoken, unreserved, vocal, facile, glib, silver-tongued, smooth-tongued

Word Forms of Mum

Inflections: mummed, mumming

Origin & Etymology of Mum

Middle English mom, momme, probably imitative of a sound made with closed lips

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Mum

Words & Phrases Containing Mum

mum's the word, keep/stay mum

Frequently Asked Questions about Mum

What does "Mum" mean?

"Mum" means silent. As an an adjective, a verb and a noun, it is defined as: silent. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Mum"?

Other words for "Mum" include mute, muted, silent, speechless, uncommunicative, wordless, ale and beer. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Mum" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Mum"?

There are 79 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Mum". Common alternatives include mute, muted, silent, speechless, uncommunicative, wordless, ale, beer, brew and brewage.

What is a slang word for "Mum"?

Slang words for "Mum" include brewski, hooch, juice, lush and sauce.

What is the opposite of "Mum"?

Antonyms of "Mum" include communicative, speaking, talking, nonintoxicant, mocktail, mix, mixer and pop. Near antonyms include articulate, eloquent, fluent and voluble.

How do you use "Mum" in a sentence?

Examples of "Mum" in a sentence: "kept mum about the surprise bridal shower".

Is "Mum" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Mum" can be used as an adjective, a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Mum" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Mum" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.