I. ˈməm adjective
Etymology: probably imitative of a sound made with closed lips
: having no speech : silent
to all of which I listened, mum as an oyster — Carleton Beals
officially he is still mum on the subject — Newsweek
— often used interjectionally to express a desire or need for silence
II. noun
( -s )
: abstention from speaking : silence — often used in the expression mum's the word
III. verb
( mummed ; mummed ; mumming ; mums )
Etymology: Middle English mommen, from Middle French momer to go masked
intransitive verb
1. : to act or play (as in a pantomime) usually in mask or disguise
miserable mumming on the stage — Donn Byrne
2. : to go about merrymaking in disguise especially during festivals
the crowds mumming in the streets at Mardi Gras
transitive verb
: to make (one's way) especially in disguise during festivals
with soot-blackened faces and grotesque attire, mumming their way … singing for sixpences — A.J.Cronin
IV. noun
( -s )
Etymology: German mumme
: a strong ale or beer originally made in Brunswick, Germany
V.
chiefly Britain
variant of mom
VI. “, _məm, -əm noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of ma'am
: madam
VII. ˈməm noun
( -s )
Etymology: by shortening
: chrysanthemum