# Mam

/ˈɛˈmeɪˈɛm/ (US) · /mˈæm/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mam
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a word for mother used in some parts of the UK and Ireland. It is a warm, casual way to talk to or about your mom.

For teachers: a regional variant of 'mother' or 'mum', prevalent in Northern England, Wales, and Ireland. Primarily used within familial contexts.

## Examples

- I need to call my mam to say happy birthday.
- He asked his mam if he could stay out late with his friends on Friday night.
- The protagonist's relationship with his mam serves as the emotional anchor of the novel, reflecting the specific linguistic and cultural landscape of working-class Dublin.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a proper noun when addressing one's own mother directly.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.